First read

“A jewel in hand is… WHAT? We did not steal it. They dropped it. Finders Keepers. Stop calling us mean girls!”©

You know how it is with some: always taking credit for another’s work.

Just like cheerleaders shaking pom poms for attention, the always helpful Lantana petaled over, picked up the significant piece, and pushed it up by the window.

“Here. Look. Thought you’d want to know.”

The first red leaf – borrowed from their neighbor – not their own.

They still insist some credit is due for seeing Fall’s reservation sent well in advance.

After a baking July, followed by the wettest August since 1914, September has arrived – with style.

Color, lower humidity, and nightly temps just under 80 F.

We’ll take it.

But realistically, only wishful dreaming of fall…a traditional chilly one like in the picture books or fashion shows.

You haven’t lived until you’ve been a kid in this area spending Halloween sweating like a fountain behind a full face plastic mask with only two eyes and a mouth gap for ventilation on a typical sweltering trick or treat night.

Between heat stroke and sugar overload, kids were usually a wreck the next day.

Ah, but companies learned that lesson and adapted to the regional weather, right? Starbucks spices autumn up with latte specialty drinks either hot of cold. A little Chile Mocha, too.

First red read.

Ready for more

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.

(Back on regular posting schedule soon. It’s mild enough to get outside and mostly dry – hope it is there, too. Enjoy the weekend! )

Now this is the source of the scarlet better. A bush that not only has showy fall leaves, but also pink blooms most of the winter. And berries “Show off!” complains the spring plant crowd.©