Although we still have a while to go before we are on the other side of summer, it feels like we are coming to the end. Cooler air, plants at the end of their cycle and shorter days, fall is on its way.

I walk through my neighborhood and look around and I see many signs that summer is almost over. I am relieved and not one bit sorry. We had a crazy, nasty summer this year. It was hot, hot, hot. The dried up and burned plants and lawns are evidence of the 116 degree day we had in June and the record breaking heat waves in July and early August.

The promise of fall is so very, very welcome.

Brown lawns.

Scorched leaves.

The western sides of some trees, especially evergreen trees, burned brown from the sun beating down on them.

But not everything died. Dandelions, maybe not beloved, but still pretty, are going strong.

Growing right next to dried patches, others flourish.

Fruit trees planted in parking strips are bearing fruit as though nothing catastrophic has happened at all. What heat dome?

Apples.

Pears.

And these pretty cherry tomatoes, like jewels.

People are coming back outside again, neighbors preparing for a block party.

And yard sales.

Mother Nature has excellent advice, take what comes your way and deal with it the best you can.

I’m reminded of this lovely quote by tennis champion, Arthur Ashe,

‘Start where you are, Use what you have, Do what you can.’