We always know that summer is coming to an end when the rainbows appear during the afternoon rain showers. This has been one of the more challenging summers, no rains, early forest fires, tomatoes that would be able to be shipped around the world three times with their tough skins. Rain, we need rain! Lots of it. The droughts have invaded and are staying. I think I will rip up the gardens and plant rocks. Sad, so sad for a garden designer to have to give in to the inevitable.
However, my mantra is, "One day at a time!" So we will see what happens next. My forecast is for an early and long winter here in the southwest. That is based on my observations of the animal kingdom. They are acting panicky, much earlier than ever. The birds have stripped the trees of acorns and berries. We have a mountain lion digging like crazy, the rabbits are barely existing in this environment. Something gets them nightly. Coyotes are running in larger packs, trying to corner whatever food that might be available.
