"The Winding Down Of Summer..."-Robert Fulghum

Have you noticed? Summer is more than half over and the long shadows of August are upon us.  If you look very carefully, signs of the coming autumn can be seen. 

In my neighborhood, several Japanese Maples have begun to show brilliant orange mixing with the green colors in their leaves. And yellowing leaves have fallen onto the lawn from Wild Cherry trees that border the woods.

Nights this past week have been cooler, more refreshing, although the summer sounds of nocturnal creatures still create their own special symphony.

Daytime sounds are evolving too. Birds are still busy, but many jovial avian songs are replaced by the cawing of crows and blue jays. Some early migratory song birds have already started their long treks south to warmer winter homes.

There's still plenty of time for more hot weather and lazy days. But look around. More clues will present themselves over the weeks to come. And you won't be surprised when Fall is really here, for you will have been watching its approach all along.