For some reason I had a really hard time coming up with a post for tonight. I’ve been highly unmotivated. I think it’s because this summer has been so difficult and I want a real break, but I will be starting back to work teaching on Tuesday. I don’t know where time goes. I figured I could at least look for some signs of fall since I know changes are on their way.
The apples are starting to turn red.
Marley’s beard is no longer white. That’s definitely a sign of fall.
Marley
My black calf is no longer sun-bleached to brown. The days are getting shorter.
Maxine and Norma Jean
Grasshoppers have definitely made their appearance. Lots and lots of them.
Okay, enough with the grasshoppers, but really that’s all I could find. I usually see lots of little bugs out there, but I’m not finding them this year because of the drought. There aren’t many flowers for them. Most of the clover turned brown a month ago.
I did find one extremely drought hardy cattail that was getting ready to send its seeds off to find a place to grow.
I checked the hickory tree, and its nuts are getting big. Surely that’s a sign that the seasons are changing.
Truly I’m ready for fall. I hope it brings more normal weather.
Linking to SOOC Sunday and Macro Monday.
Teresa
Aug 11, 2012 @ 21:00:48
we had the grasshoppers here so badly and so early this year, it was AWFUL! i feel for you.
your apples look delicious!
Aug 11, 2012 @ 21:03:44
The apples might be the best thing for the year! It’s been a couple of years since I’ve had any on my tree because of late frosts and too much water.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 21:03:20
I was thinking the same thing today. Summer isn’t over but the hint of Fall is in the air. The Farmers Almanac is calling for “Bitter Cold” in my neck of the woods this year – i hope they are wrong!
Aug 11, 2012 @ 21:05:47
I’ll take bitter cold over the non-existent winter any day! Hope that holds true for my area.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 21:05:22
I am glad you are seeing the signs of fall! I know how bad you all have had it as we were that way here last year and I hope to never go through that again! I would love to see some signs of fall but it is way too early for us.The leaves don’t even change till December down here,sigh.Marley is as hansom as ever!
Aug 11, 2012 @ 21:07:31
I hope not to ever repeat this year! It’s still too early here too, but I’m just wishing. These are really signs of late summer, but I figure I can stretch it into signs of really early fall.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 21:21:13
Here in Maine, some maples are starting to change colors. But I am not ready for fall because that means winter is just nearby.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 22:09:22
I’m already saying I want snow, but I figure I shouldn’t just skip the whole fall.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 22:20:25
As miserably hot as it’s been here, it seems summer went by too fast. Luckily, we are having a spell of 70′s – 80′s temps here – it seems like early summer rather than late.
I hope your difficulties are over for a while and the weather gets better. Your apples look great!
Aug 11, 2012 @ 22:28:36
We too are enjoying a bit of cooler weather and have had a couple of recent rains. Maybe that has me also anticipating the change.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 22:43:42
School already?! Where did the summer go? Norma Jean is getting so big!
Aug 11, 2012 @ 22:45:51
I know. I don’t know where the entire summer went, but I really am not ready to go to work. I am ready for fall though.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 23:05:11
I too am ready for Fall. The heat has not only taken its toll on crops but on us too. I love Marley’s beard, so precious! The grasshoppers I can live without, I hate those things they are such a nuisance. School is back in session here already, a sure sign that Fall will be here soon.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 23:33:34
The ongoing drought really has just beaten us down. We really do need a change.
Aug 11, 2012 @ 23:29:27
I’m ready for fall. Winter – not so much. The leaves are getting that dark, drab, dirty look to them so fall may be early this year. One can only hope… I still haven’t had a good day to sit on my porch in my new glider yet!
Aug 11, 2012 @ 23:37:41
Hopefully, you’ll have some of those good days very soon.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 05:49:34
Your world is so beautiful…………
Aug 12, 2012 @ 08:17:04
Thank you for reminding me. That’s been a hard thing to remember this summer with the drought.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 06:16:23
Your apples look good- at least the drought and heat didn’t get them! I don’t like those grasshoppers- they always remind me of extreme heat and dry climate.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 08:17:55
We always have the grasshoppers, but this year there are so many and nothing else. I’m hoping the apples taste as good as they look.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 10:34:43
I’m noticing little changes too here in Arizona.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 10:37:54
I do hope this isn’t just a tease and we end up cooking and dehydrating again.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 16:06:43
I had to laugh about Marley’s beard, a true sign of fall!! Wow, Norma Jean is getting so big! The grasshoppers are starting to show up here too. I have been doing The Grasshopper Stomp every time I go out to the garden!
Aug 12, 2012 @ 16:36:21
At least these early signs of fall are encouraging that things will change and get better.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 17:38:17
We have little tiny grasshoppers. These are huge! I hate grasshoppers too, I don’t know what I’d do with all these.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 17:41:42
Once I looked and really saw how many there were, it did kind of give me the heebie jeebies.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 17:41:26
I’m definitely ready for Fall! Your apple is beautiful and LARGE! Ours are still green and small. And, wow, that is a lot of grasshoppers.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 17:42:43
I am amazed at how well the apples are doing. I did water it a bit in the worst of the heat and drought in July, but it’s been largely on its own.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 19:12:45
I can feel you as I am the same today, unmotivated..But your photos are gorgeous though..
Aug 12, 2012 @ 19:41:58
Thank you. Hope we can both find some motivation as the work week starts.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 19:28:40
wonderful shots here!
Aug 12, 2012 @ 19:42:29
Thanks so much. I’m glad you stopped by.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 19:49:11
It definately has been a hot one. Loving your signs of Fall and looking forward to cooler weather. Marley is too cute! Now the grasshoppers, their just pesky.
Hugs,
Jann
Aug 12, 2012 @ 20:33:19
I do adore my Marley, even if he is coming into rut and getting stinky.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 21:07:32
Apple looks to delicious!!! Just wanted to pluck it and take a bite!!!
Aug 12, 2012 @ 21:25:46
I am looking forward to having a good harvest of apples this fall.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 21:18:16
You are right, there haven’t been many bugs this year, not even mosquitoes here. I am ready for fall, too. It has been way too hot this year to enjoy the summer. I was noticing lots of hickory nuts and hazel nuts on my walk yesterday evening.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 21:26:41
I do hope the change to fall will let us return to normal.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 23:09:45
That is still a lot of grasshoppers to me, we don’t usually so many of them like this here in Singapore.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 23:12:47
That’s a lot of grasshoppers for here! They seem to be everywhere out there.
Aug 12, 2012 @ 23:56:57
The macros of grasshoppers are very well taken. We cannot grow apple here in my city as the climate is not cold enough. Yours is gorgeous and yummy.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 08:17:54
I was really surprised to see how well the tree did. We had basically no winter and a late frost and now a drought. I’d say this is one determined apple tree this year.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 00:52:48
The apple looks delicious. I’m not sure I’m ready for fall yet, but fall’s in the air. The nights are getting colder.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 08:19:15
It’s been nice to milk goats in the morning and not be covered in sweat when I’m done. It’s been very pleasant for the last few days.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 05:12:50
Hi there – I know what its like when it feels as if the weather has gone mad – we had summers where it felt like it would never rain again.
I have to say that I think the grasshopper shots are great.
SM
Aug 13, 2012 @ 08:20:20
Thanks. I really am starting to feel optimistic that we’ve changed our weather pattern as it was cool and rainy all day yesterday.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 08:36:03
Loved your photo journal of changes of the seasons. I’m with you on welcoming fall. Looks like your apple crop will be a good one this year and this is my favorite photo of today’s collection.
Sad coincidence–my friend just lost her 17 yr. old Marley–a Jack Russell-last night. We are already missing that brave little dog.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 08:37:37
Seventeen is a wonderful long dog life, but it can never be long enough it seems. Sorry to hear about his passing. I’m definitely going to enjoy my apples. It’s the best harvest (except hopefully corn) that I’ll get this year.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 09:14:28
I can’t decide yet, if I’m ready for Fall or if I want it to remain Summer for awhile longer. It would be nice if the hot heat would leave, but I don’t think I’m ready for the cool mornings of fall.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 10:53:27
I am usually never ready for fall even though I love it because it means a return to teaching…I do love teaching, but I love the farm even more. Geez, I’m just full of love today.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 11:23:21
Very cool photos, and I learned a few things! I didn’t realize a goat’s beard color changed with the seasons, nor did I stop to think a cow’s coat would sun bleach! I’m back to work teaching next week as well. Hope your year is awesome!
Paula
Aug 13, 2012 @ 12:51:55
Well, the goat’s beard changes because of his behavior when he comes into rut. Hope you have a good year at school.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 12:37:06
I have never seen that many grasshoppers at once! Now I’ve got that creepy, crawly feeling…
Aug 13, 2012 @ 12:52:51
They are just everywhere out there. It’s driving me crazy.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 14:19:01
Great shots of the grasshoppers. Sorry, I know they’re annoying. Hope your first day back teaching goes well!
Aug 13, 2012 @ 16:16:37
I start work tomorrow, but kids don’t come until next week. I still have a few days to prepare. Isn’t it annoying how things like grasshoppers really do make for good subjects.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 15:30:54
Oo my girls love picking cat tails. Great shots.
Aug 13, 2012 @ 16:16:56
Thanks. That is the only one back there this year with the drought.