HAPPY NEW YEAR?!

Early September had always felt like New Year's. As a kid, summer carnivals and parades ended and the new school year started up as usual. Later on the new season was marked by local fishing derbies, leaf colours, and the Toronto Film Festival. This year all of that is blurred as school, iconic events, and simple gatherings have been pandemic restricted or canceled...

This "new year" also brings sunrises that are either angry dark or promising pinks. Heavy rain here today contrasting with out-of-control fires in the west. 

Birds are on the wing to their new year in the south. Towhees are passing through, still scratching on the ground. And the popular spruce tree hosts many sky travelers like this red-breasted nuthatch. Which way is up anymore??

Other seasonal signs are apples red on the tree or green on the ground. Mold forms on anything damp

and organic.The Gardener thins, prunes, and looks back on many kinds of growth, botanical and personal.

Here's something new, this year or any. The plastic tablecloth on the deck has been chewed all around its lower edges. Porcupine? Squirrel? Snack or nesting material? Maybe you foodies out there should try it?

I'm told spring is yellow and fall is purple among bloomers. Here's some proof. (OK, mauve in the milkweed.)

There are at least  5 Virgos in my family celebrating this month (all males...hmmm). For all of us it IS a new beginning. So Happy New Year everybody --- and that's not a load of ****!