Welcome to Late Summer...............

Sun Setting over Eaton's Neck, NY 

   I never know exactly when the season of Late Summer actually begins. I know that it's August and regardless you can still feel Summer winding down - just subtle hints like a few cooler nights here and there blending in with remnants of heat waves on other days and nights.

   Curious too - like this morning the winds are from the north and yet Summer is meant predominantly southwest winds here in this part of the world. Once August begins it also seems like there are more storms - and these days it's heavy rains. It seems like it is trying to compensate for the intense heat and dryness of of the Dog Days of Summer towards the end of July.

   So yes it is a gradual thing and then as with all seasons you eventually just find yourself in the full blossom of the season - yet still wondering where it began and when the last season ended.

   It used to be like clockwork. August 5th was the day when I'd wake to a sudden chill in the air - especially when compared to Summer heat - and I'd have to wear long sleeves and sometimes a light sweater.

   I suppose that could be a sign of things to come or a signal. So how does one prepare exactly when knowing seasons will change. Maybe it's good enough to consciously know the change is coming and start to prepare. Better still is if you can sense the changes approaching.

   So we shift - to less intense activity - a sense of slowing down - and in doing so are able to appreciate what Summer has brought us - such as being out in nature - gardening - hiking the trails in the mountains or activities and more travel. We seem more outward - seek new experiences and or adventures - like a hunger.

   We plan our last vacations knowing Summer will be ending and then Autumn brings the harvest and preparation for Winter.

   With all of that being said Late Summer is a season according to Chinese tradition of five seasons. Yet it's like a gentle transition between the heat of Summer and coolness of Autumn - which then prepares us for the cold on Winter. Seasons and cycles and our bodies and lives adjust accordingly.

   Yes we do shift from outward to inward which prepares us for Autumn and Winter. Diet should gradually become a little heavier with more protein and whole grains, seeds, nuts and beans. Keep up your physical strength with regular exercise.

   The element for Late Summer is Earth which makes me think of needing to be grounded. The organs related to this time are the stomach and spleen which are related to digestion and nourishment. The sense is taste - so savor your food and focus on nourishment. The color associated with this time is yellow and the emotion is sympathy. The sound is singing - which reminds me of a young lady who used to walk the grid of my neighborhood and the boardwalks with her large dog and sing at the top of her lungs - never caring that she was singing completely off key!

  The taste is sweet which makes me think of a nice cup of herbal tea with a touch of honey.

   So Friends, be well and see you again for the Autumnal Equinox.

Maery

P.S. For more of my work I have several books available on Amazon 

"Gluten Free on the Go - You Can Take It With You" - "Gluten Free Home Cooking and Tradition"

"Monet and Me - Adventures in Life and Art" "Monet and Me- Going Home" "Walking with Dickens and Tales of Art"

 Summer Solstice Arriving

Here Comes the Sun!

Dawn at Orange Lake - the Sun begins to rise above the hills

   It's almost that time of year again - when the Sun reaches into new heights after such a long dark snowy winter - anxious for the Sun to warm our weary bones. But it seems to arrive so fast once the Spring Equinox comes - for everything comes alive again - sometimes slowly and dormant under the latest rainy, cloudy skies and then a burst of heat and sunlight. So then the trees and flowers do bloom almost on time despite the delays. Although it seems we are about a week behind. And also even though the first blooms and buds were on the trees it still felt barren and not quite like Spring as though Winter was holding us in her grasp and not wanting to let go.

   I am also writing this a bit early because June will be a busy month for me - onto new beginnings and new adventures at home and in the world of business. Sometimes the Summer Solstice merely seems like an extension of Spring - all bound and wrapped up together like the new leaves unfolding.

   The word Solstice has the word "Sol" in it which appropriately means "Sun" or "Solar". Bringing warmth and heat and causing all things to grow further. As well the Sun has alot of solar storms lately and auroras are being seen again in the North but also dipping South. Is the world and nature changing?

   And many traditions celebrate the Sun with bonfires and ceremonies on the Solstice - to ensure the Sun's return each year. Cycles upon cycles with the planet spinning and the heavens doing their own cosmic and astronomical dance.

   As well of course this is another time of transition with the seasons - when we move away from the heavier foods of Winter and include more fruits and vegetables. Spring was a time of cleansing, and so Summer will be a time of ripening, followed by the harvest.

   I won't say much more except do enjoy this bountiful time of year. Get out and walk or ride a bicycle but do wear sunscreen daily.

   And most of all be well!

Maery

Bluebird - a Rare Visitor

Spring Arrival

   The official beginning of Spring is really just a few days away - but we are still recovering from blizzards and ice and snow! Really only now has the bay begun to thaw and towers of snow still cling to the landscape. Thankfully the bitter cold temperatures here have moderated and brings some relief.

   And yet the birds have already started their Spring songs here and there - twittering and coming alive. According to the internet the hummingbirds are already making their way north - although I have never been lucky enough to see one here. And yet my friend who lives about 4 miles north and on the edge of a wildlife preserve has had some hummingbirds come through. I did see a hummingbird last year but that was in the Catskills. I was making breakfast and looking out the window at the flowers and saw what I thought was a giant bumblebee. Upon a closer look saw that it was indeed a hummingbird hovering over the bright red flowers - their favorite. I went to get my camera but by the time I came back it was gone. And it was also my birthday so I considered that my gift!

   Unfortunately the plant life seems to have suffered greatly this winter. The hardy Mediterranean heather is barely blooming when it is usually full of bright pink bells even with snow on the ground. The vinca groundcover is completely crushed along the path to the back yard. The winter jasmine is not blooming and hanging by a thread. The andromeda tree out front looks like its leaves are burnt. But with Spring arriving things may rejuvenate and new growth should occur - even if in small.

   I've seen the rabbits occasionally - they are hiding in their burrow. The feral cat who thinks he owns the place still comes and sleeps under the cover of my lean to protection to keep snow and ice off the in spout for the oil delivery. He lies in the warm sunlight on my front stoop or in the driveway until a human arrives and then he runs. 

   As for us humans well Spring signals a natural flushing out of toxins accumulated over the Winter. So it is a time to shed and clean out, introducing more fruits and vegetables and less heavy foods like soups and stews. Everyone has their own cleansing routines - just make sure to do them. And also time to shed those winter pounds that have accumulated in the colder months.

   I've already started walking again - getting that sunshine when it's there and getting moving. Soon it will be time for yard work and just being outdoors.

   In about a month the trees will start to bloom - followed by flowers.

   Well we've all made it through a difficult Winter so let's rejoice in the fresh new start of Spring!

Be well,

Maery