Second Summer

 

9/28/20 Maple Leaf neighborhood

After a week of rain, wind, socks and putting the flannel sheets back on the bed, we have been promised 10 more days of summer! Not one to squander a gift like that, I made a point of interrupting my walk on Monday for this tree. All spring and summer, its tiny leaves are lime green, but then in the fall, they turn lemon yellow. In general, it seems like the color will be late this year – several trees I regularly watch for and sketch are barely hinting at turning – but this one has no hesitation.

Very disappointingly, yesterday a new cloud of smoke appeared from another distant wildfire, ruining our week of sunshine. The sun rose above the treetops with a coral-red glow that has become all-too-familiar here. At least this time we're prepared with an air purifier.

9/30/20 7:41 a.m.