Orion Returns

We have a returning Friend in the Night Sky. The constellation Orion, the Hunter, has returned. Orion is our companion during the Winter Months. His return marks a shift in Season.

Other markers have appeared as well. Days are shorter. Nights are cooler. The Sun's Light is not as strong. The Sun's Path is further South on the great expanse of the Sky. Sometimes the Cloud Color appears to have more of a Winter look. That's not a color I can easily describe; it is more a color that I feel.

Leaves are just beginning to fall. Others are just beginning to color up. Some Trees are almost bare. With the Leaf drop of Trees and Shrubs, we are just beginning to see into the Woods after the lush Green of Summer.

Many of our Summer Companions have gone. Monarch Butterflies are largely absent. We see an occasional 1 or 2. We saw a lone Ruby Throated Hummingbird at the Feeder 2 days ago, but did not see one yesterday. The 2 Hummingbird Feeders will soon come down. Canada Geese have been observed practicing their flights in small strings. Hawks have returned. On the Meadow, the Goldenrod is fading while Asters are in full splendor. Asters mark the last of the Flowers of the Annual Show.

For the Humans who are not separate from any of this, we are focusing on Fall Harvest with a watchful eye toward predicted low temperatures in the 30s over the weekend. All of Nature seems to know of the coming doin's. While I think we Humans "feel it", we rely on reports from WeatherUnderground. The last of the Sorghum Cane is being harvested for our last batch this weekend. Warmer Clothes are migrating from their Summer Storage. My flannel shirt sure feels good. Blankets are just beginning their migration to accustomed places on Beds and in the Family Room. A few sticks of Wood have appeared beside the Wood Stove.

We Humans are deeply grateful for the Seasonal Shifts that mark the continuation of Life of this Great Creation of which we are 1 very small part. We are grateful to share these Shifts with a vast Host of Kin in Nature, some of whom we know and a great number we have yet to meet.