Back Porch Musings: Summer Sundays

The urge to rush the season is very strong for me this year.

Missouri has had one of those Summers when we “old timers” talk about the hot Summers of long ago.

The Summer of 1954 was very hot, with temperatures at least 109, in July. I remember this, because that was the month of my 11th birthday. I don’t remember all my childhood birthdays, but my 11th was memorable, not just because of the heat, but other life changing events.

As children of the 1950’s, we had a large window fan, no central or window air conditioning. J and I wonder how in the world we ever managed. The answer is, we were used to it. Now we are acclimated to a controlled indoor environment.

I am ready for Fall, this Summer of 2010. I don’t think I am alone, in wishing for Autumn. We were spoiled with our pleasant 2009 Summer.

This one has definitely been a scorcher.

Our friend is mowing our yard this year, giving J a break from this chore. R has kept our lawn looking green through summer with calculated mowing. He was here Wednesday.

After mowing, it is green, rather than the sometimes crunchy brown of late Summer in Missouri. No watering, of our yard, other than occasional showers. The key is to cut it a bit longer and wait awhile between cuttings.

A little less manicured, but great for keeping the grass green during these hot Summer days.

The title of this post, Subtle Changes, has everything to do with Fall approaching, here in the Midwest.

I am beginning to see the subtle changes that mark the end of Summer.

We returned from the lake, late Tuesday. I didn’t set foot on the back porch until Wednesday evening. As I stepped onto the porch from the master bedroom, the first thing I noticed was the oppressive heat and mugginess.

The second thing I noticed was the welcome scent of approaching Fall. I can’t describe this scent, just that it arrives toward the end of Summer. I know when I catch the subtle scent, it won’t be long until the temperatures cool, the leaves change and the color of the sky and sunrise and sunset will take on an autumnal glow.

Have you guessed my favorite season is Fall?

Some believe it is a time of dying. I always see Autumn as a time for trees and plants to sleep awhile; resting through winter, before awakening in Spring.

I snapped these photos, at sunset, Thursday evening. It seems like yesterday when we brought these geraniums home.

This picture is from a post, dated September 1, 2009. I believe we were having cool temperatures by that time last year. Putting me in the mood to decorate the back porch early.

Although it’s tempting to bring out the pumpkins, I’ll wait until September again, this year. After all, Summer doesn’t officially end, until next month.

A storm passed through Thursday. We are hoping it brought cooler temperatures that will stay around awhile.

I’m linking to Laurie’s Favorite Things Saturday

and

The Tablescaper’s Summer Sundays

Family Health Update

Our appointments, Thursday morning, went very well.

My tests showed a drop in my cholesterol numbers, with a rise in the good cholesterol. Other tests showed great results, as well. Overall, I am very healthy. When my mother was my age, she had already been diagnosed with Ventricular Fibrillation and other serious health issues. My sister, who is 3 years younger than I, has Rheumatoid Arthritis and other health problems. When she was in her 50’s she suffered four strokes. Knowing my family health history, I am extremely grateful for my good health.

While J’s tests came back great, the Pro Time taken at the office showed his blood is much thinner than before. He is now off Coumadin over the weekend and will start a smaller dose Monday and have another Pro Time in a week. We all are puzzled, including the doctor, about this sudden problem, after so many years on the same dosage. We are hoping for better test results in about 10 days.

I talked to our daughter this afternoon. While still not feeling quite up to par, she is feeling better. She said she will see how she feels Friday and go from there, as far as further tests.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Do you see something unusual or out of the ordinary in this photo?

Sort of reminds me of Stephen King, for some reason.

The photos were not edited, other than sizing down.

I used the Tameron 18-200mm lens, with the Canon Rebel T2i.

All photos were taken Thursday morning, August 5, 2010.

“The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.”

John Muir

This Hummingbird feeder is on the deck of the condo. I took the photos, through the sliding door, on the same morning I took the sunrise photos.

At one point, I counted 15 Hummingbirds at and around this feeder.

It was an amazing sight.

The tiny birds will pack their bags, in just about another month, and move south for the winter.

Linking to The Tablescaper’s Summer Sundays.

From Wikipedia:

The Lake of the Ozarks is a large reservoir created by impounding the Osage River in the northern part of the Ozarks in central Missouri. Extents of three smaller tributaries to the Osage, the Niangua River, Grand Glaize Creek, and Gravois Creek, are included in the impoundment. The lake has a surface area of 55,000 acres (223 km²), over 1,150 miles (1,850 km) of shoreline, and the main channel of the Osage Arm stretches 92 miles (148 km) from end to end. The total drainage area is over 14,000 square miles (36,000 km²).

Back Porch Musings

Saturday

~Exterior Design~

Thursday

~Subtle Changes~

Saturday

~Summer Sunrise at the Lake~

Sunday

~A Walk in the Park~

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