The Last Rose of Summer

"And a time for every purpose..."
Ecclesiastes

HANK: I had to wear a coat today.

How does that happen? Is the time just in some new realm of physics where it's somehow speeding up? I remember I just set out the pool lounge chairs. Seems like I just planted the white geraniums. I just changed the family room slipcovers to from taupe suede to white canvas. I just saw the first crocuses.

Isn't that right?

And now: I have to wear a coat. (Okay, not the one in the photo, but she looks pretty great...as long as she doesnt have to do anything. Or see. Mine was just a khaki trench coat.) That means soon: I have to put away the flowered plastic glasses we use by the pool. Harvest all the basil and pick the last of the roses and dahlias so I won't lose them to frost. Have the moment of truth with the put-away sweaters where I see who's won the battle this year: me?Or the moths? And the cooking magazines are showing TURKEYS. It can't be time for that.

And yet--when I put that coat on, it felt cozy and right. I tried on a new fall blazer, and it didn't feel out of season. We've been though a lot together, you all. Haven't we? And now we're in our autumn rituals together again. Happy to be with you. What are you doing for fall?

ROBERTA: I already said this in my own (little) blog, but we received the most amazing fall surprise this year--pumpkins sprang up out of our compost heap of their own accord. I saw a patch of orange up in the briars behind the garden--two gorgeous full-sized pumpkins were hanging there!

And it's certainly better sleeping weather in the fall. My hub's a madman about not turning heat on too early, so it gets darn chilly around here. Even the cat was curled up next to me this morning, purring and purring and purring.

I have to be honest though, part of the reason I can enjoy the fall is that we'll be spending the worst of winter in Key West. (Go ahead, pelt me with leftover green tomatoes from the garden...I know how lucky I am!)

HALLIE: I know it’s fall because I’m sneezing. And cooking soup (leek and potato -- yum). And because the last tomato is ripening on the counter. And because three very fat squirrels are racing around the garden gathering fallen acorns. What a year it is for acorns! Gotta wear a hard hat. They'll be good for pelting Roberta with.

RO: I know it's fall because I've finally stopped feeling guilty about not spending enough time in the garden. The leaves are turning, the ornamental grasses look beautiful and I didn't have to do any of it!
It always happens too fast. Seems like I just changed the curtains in my bedroom and have now had to change them back (ivory crinkly to tan velvety... they could go in Hank's family room)because I knew I'd be freezing the other night if i didn't.

I love this time of year. Scarves and gloves. And fires in the fireplace. I guess it reminds me of back to school and seeing old friends after the summer. Jealous of Roberta's pumpkins!

JAN: We have a sun porch, that oddly, we don't use in the summer because it gets insanely hot with the sun. But I know it's fall because last night, my husband and I lit up the gas stove there and caught up on the week with a glass of wine.
With the cold rainy June, I think summer was actually shorter this year, it isn't just time speeding up. By very early September I already had to dig my boots out of the winter closet -- but that's what I love about New England, wearing boots and long wool jackets.

HANK: Hey Hallie, hand me summa those acorns to throw at Roberta. Key West, huh? Anyway, yes, sweaters! Much more friendly than bathing suits. (I guess that's an autumn of life thing.) And I love mufflers and scarves. SO, Joanthan took the air conditioners out of the windows and stowed them wherever he stows them. The lawn furniture is in the garage. What are you all doing to welcome the fall?