The Changing Of The Seasons

When I was young, there was a different mindset altogether regarding the state of the world and its future. There were at least three popular 'takes' on the subject.

One group did not concern themselves with such matters. Another group was of the 'Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die' mentality. This second group found delight in expressing their position to the third group.

The third group was quasi-prophets of doom. They knew the worst was going to happen. There was only one recourse, be prepared. As predicted, there were wars, rumors of wars and earthquakes in diverse places. The 'A' bomb was a hot subject. Russia could destroy us at any time; and if not doing so with great knowledge and precision, they just might blow up the whole world instead.

For the third group it was a time to 'live close'. Armageddon could begin at any time. Soon the wheat would be separated from the chaff. Your destiny would soon be fulfilled.

There was much talk about the 'end of time' and being ready for that event. One wonderful lady said to me, "you know, it's said that before the end of time, you won't be able to tell the seasons but by the budding of the trees"

She was such a kind woman, I didn't have the heart to tell her that's how we tell the seasons now. Calendars are man-made, they don't help. Spring can come early or it can come late, but you will know it's here by the budding of the trees.

I don't concern myself with matters such as the end time. Except for some scattered groups that would be labeled cults or extremists, I don't think many people do.

I am though, very aware of the changing of the seasons. And I've seen so many come and go, they all seem to have melded into a fast revolving carousel. This summer has gone by the fastest of any I've seen.

Autumn is a wonderful time for most. There is the harvesting and the feasting, the storing up for the bleak days to come. There will be lots of shopping, too.

Some people love autumn simply because it's a time to renew their wardrobe. Who doesn't like to have a couple of fashionable cardigans to add to their already bulging supply of clothing?

Fall is a delight to the nostrils. From a whiff of cotton candy at the county fair, to the many spices seldom used except for the time when there's the baking of pumpkin pies, the making of Russian tea and the cooking of stuffing inside a turkey.

The first chilly night is most welcome. At last, a reason to build a fire in the fireplace, burn a few scented candles, get all cozy with a throw wrapped around oneself and watch that latest hit movie.

I'm a gardener at heart. It's in my blood. As pleasurable as fall can be to most, it leaves me somewhat saddened. To go for months without putting my hands in the earth is about more than I can bear. The assurance I will see yet another spring is the only thing that causes me to get out of bed each morning.

I made my usual rounds this evening, taking note that things are slowing down. As predictable as the budding of the trees in spring, there are now many plants in the throws of death. Those not so ill-fortuned will be preparing themselves for a long, deep sleep.

I had planted Mexican heather in sunken gutters. They didn't do too well. I decided not to plant them there, again. When digging them up to prepare the gutters for pansies, I saw they had a massive root system, far too much to be in the confines of a gutter.

I took one of the healthier plants and put it in a pot. I would take cuttings from it to keep over winter. In a few days it had doubled in size, a clear indication it had been root bound. Come spring, my cuttings will be given all the root room they could want.

My Niobe and Jackmannii clematis gave a beautiful display this spring, they always do. Maybe sensing it's their last chance to bid me adieu, they manage to come forth with a token bloom or two before settling down for the winter.

I noticed a tray of pansy seedlings. I planted the seed in almost pure leaf mold. These seedlings looked better than all the rest. I had better make a note of this good find.

And my gardenias? Oh, my gardenias! At mid-spring, I put three 1½ inch cuttings in the earth. Now, these beauties are well over a foot high and the picture of health. I must have done something right. They deserve, and will get, a very special place.

Clematis I rooted solely for the purpose of giving away. No takers.

Butterfly bushes I rooted solely for the purpose of giving away. No takers.

I checked a new rose bed I've started, just about 16 plants, all pink and red Knockouts. They're doing well.

My Arborvitae? What can I say? Handsome!

And what do we have here? This is one of my roses sorely afflicted with rose rosette disease. It seems to be making a come back, something not supposed to happen. Time will tell. Maybe it can live with that virus. Maybe the virus has been modified so it will pose no threat to other roses. Maybe the bush will produce that sport I so wanted. I can dream, can't I?

Well, I gotta find something to do. Soon, I won't be able to garden for a while. I can't spend all my time in front of this Vista Home Premium. I could spend time learning more about the Windows 10 I have. But, no. I don't like it. I'll run 10 only when I have to.

They say time is only an illusion. Maybe that's why it won't come to an end. But if it's only an illusion, how can I have too much of it on my hands? Good grief!

I know. I'll come up with some crafts and tell everybody on ThriftyFun about them. Yes, that's what I'll do!

So, one of my future installments will be instructions for making a pretty little sun catcher. It's a little something I thought of, myself. I could tell you how in one sentence, but that would be no fun.

Below is a picture of the finished craft made with glass beads. I'm looking for some Aurora Borealis crystals. If I can find them at a reasonable price, I will make the suncatcher with them for the craft project.