Summer's Last Hurrah

Tiny says 'choo-choo.'

I apparently also say choo-choo. 

We had a good weekend. Busy, but good. We ended up at the Coronado Community Pool again, where JT demonstrated his new swimming skills, opening his eyes underwater and waving. And Tiny impressed us with his ability to close both his eyes and mouth when dunked. We enjoyed a brunch with friends. We also said good-bye to some other friends who we were dearly miss.

Hiking last weekend.  The sun is lower now.

Gulf Fritillary caterpillar (one of many) on the passion fruit vine. JT is excited about the prospect of cocoons.

Yesterday the weather shifted, and now it is fall-like and breezy. JT even said it sounded like fall outside (the wind rustling in the trees, the dry leaves starting to fall). I pulled the zucchini out of the garden, since its leaves were starting to get powdery with mildrew from the morning dews. It is time to start thinking of my cold-weather garden - planting peas, broccoli, beans, and some other things. I want to plant garlic and potatoes, but I have no idea when to do that here in SoCal - I will have to consult my gardening book.

The last pickles. (The first dill pickles have been eaten and declared as good as the ones you buy in the store. I suppose that is good enough! And some Mr. Stripey tomato sauce.

Still, there may be some dry Santa Ana days to come and 'cold weather' here is not extreme but gradual and gentle. We do have seasons, although some insist we don't, and they are lovely and subtle. You need to be in tune with nature to fully appreciate them.