Friday Favourites: Here and There

 

The deep rasping caw of a crow high in a treetop sounded like autumn this morning. When I walk into the garden I cringe at the invisible spider webs that I walk into between the tall beanpoles and the sunflowers. A few moments ago I stepped outside and saw the waxing moon glowing red from forest fires. All these things add up to a changing season. Although the days are very warm, even record-breaking, once the sun slips away, coolness descends. Summer when the sun shines; Autumn in the darkness.

We try to take a yearly camping trip, just a few days, with our family. The past weekend was the date we settled on. Tim and I went a day early and hiked to Hole in the Wall, seen above. The hole is man-made, drilled many years ago through rock to place wooden pipes to supply the nearby town with water. The pipes are long gone and water is sourced elsewhere, but the large hole is a definite attraction. We both climbed the rocky ledges and walked through the opening to the forest on the other side. 

"It was a lovely afternoon - such an afternoon as only 

September can produce when summer has stolen back 

for one more day of dream and glamour." 

L. M. Montgomery

On a hot day it was cool beside the shaded water. The air held the memory of wildfire smoke and we saw recent patches of fire damage. 

Once everyone else arrived at the campsite there was swimming, games, lots of chatting, and plenty of eating. We all take turns providing meals and it's become tradition that I make doughnuts. The deep fryer is packed when we know we have electricity, or else we use pots on the campstove. I make the dough, a couple of guys man the frying, and all the grands glaze and decorate. Our daughter-in-law keeps them under control. There is always enough to share with the neighbouring campers who can smell the donuts. 

Our youngest grand, Cora, begins kindergarten this year. It's a very gentle start, 90 minutes, then building up to all day. I collected her this morning after her short stint in school, and we went to Butchart Gardens. I laughed when she told me that the statue lady above was cold and needed a towel to wrap around herself. 

"Summer is dressing herself in showy dahlias 

and splendid marigolds and starry zinnias."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Dahlias are the stars of the garden just now with so many varieties. Both Cora and I liked this pink one with the bee on it. We rode the carousel and enjoyed a little lunch in the coffee shop. A fun outing.

Other activities this week included blanching and freezing 5 pounds of green beans, making pear marmalade, and a peach galette. How delicious it was to enjoy a piece still warm from the oven. Next up is apples. Our trees are loaded this year, with plenty to share. 

I plan to make the most of these golden days, enjoying the fleeting days of warmth. How about you?