It's fall and I love this time of year. The shadows are shifting and it casts the most intriguing beams of light that seem to float and dance in the wind. When I walk outside and take my first few deep breaths of air, it feels magical in a way. I love to stand under the stars and take the deepest breaths I can as I look into the sky. I am reminded how small I am.
The cooler temps are drawing me outside more often where I can take in the sounds of the birds and smells of the plants and the beauty of fall. Another season leaving with a new one entering. I'm happy to say goodbye to summer - it was much too hot for me. I didn't get out as much as I usually do because the heat was stifling. Now, let me be clear - I live in Southern California near the coast where temperatures don't deviate much - but none the less we do have seasons here, too. And it can get uncomfortably hot. During the winter, some of our native trees lose their leaves - like the alders and sycamores. Elderberries lose their leaves, too, but usually in the late summer. Some of our willows lose their leaves but it usually doesn't get cold enough here (7 miles from the coast) for that to happen. Of course, the Coast Live Oaks do not lose their leaves making them quite a treat to look at during the winter.
I'm really excited about some of the native plants that bloom this time of year - I have vibrant California fuchsia blooming right now as well as some Salvia Gregii. The gorgeous orange and pink blooms (respectively) really make a splendid show with every thing else turning brown. Oh, I'm still seeing yellow blossoms on the Hooker's & Beach Evening primroses, too. Fantastic. Both of these plants are putting out seed in abundance and the Beach Evening primrose is already producing seedlings for next spring. They are about 2 inches tall even now and seem to be growing rapidly with the cooler temps we're having here. I also have California Poppy seedlings popping up - it is going to be a special spring around here - I can already tell.
One more thing about native plants - the golden rod are in abundance right now. They make a wonderful tea that is really good for cleansing the kidneys (at least that what I've read). I've harvested a bunch of it and dried it out to use for tea during the winter.
I haven't been out hiking much, but plan to start again since my little 8 pound dog will enjoy our walks more with the cooler temps. She dehydrates quickly in the heat because of her small mass and black fur. After the rains begin, we should be seeing the currants and gooseberries blooming. Can't wait - it's always a treat to see in the late fall/early winter.
Okay, there's more about fall that I absolutely love... professional football and warm comfort foods. So, the timing is perfect - more hiking at the same time that I'm eating more while sitting in front of the television. Gotta a keep a grip on my eating during the winter as to not put on too many pounds - last year I didn't gain anything during the holidays. This year I'm starting at a disadvantage - so I have to actually lose during the holidays. Is it doable? Of course!!
I'll keep you posted. Would love hear if anyone has a plan to keep the extra pounds off this winter - please share - I need all the help I can get. :)
In love and life... be blessed.
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