First Day of Fall

While meteorologists and climatologists often refer to Fall beginning on September 1st, the Fall Equinox occurred this morning and brought the first day of Fall. With sunny skies and a high temperature in the low 90s the day certainly didn't feel like Fall here in northeast Kansas. That said, we have had a few days where the temperature stuck in the 70s, humidity remained low, and overnight saw the mercury fall into the 50s. One detail that is always noticeable is the loss of daylight hours. Leaving in the morning is now dark, and after finishing dinner the sun is already beginning it's descent below the horizon.

In the end I think we are all looking forward to those comfortable afternoons with the windows open and the breeze blowing through. Being surrounded by numerous tree varieties will hopefully provide some color to the leaves as they begin to change. Our walnut and honey locust trees have already begun their change, turning yellow as somewhat shown in my picture below.

My wife will certainly mourn the loss of her hummingbirds as they take the journey south for the winter. But, many other birds will become more noticeable including our Cardinals, Blue Jays, and numerous Sparrows. We have even managed to see a Oriole and Goldfinches this past weekend, likely on their journey southward. Grasses are becoming showy and dropping seeds, and with time should begin to sit down and allow some easier cleaning and clearing of our back acres (there are plenty of cedar and sumac to clear). Wildflowers are dwindling with only a few late season bloomers holding on, but dropping their seeds as they dry will help set the stage for next years color.

Plenty of outdoor projects that can still be competed, the fun is in how many of them can actually be completed.