New Hampshire Nature Notes
by Eric Orff

Summers a wrap. Right?

Friday 09/30/2011

The calendar says it's fall but much of this last week has been more like summer. And a week ago it was hot and steamy with both humidity and heat making me wish I had not taken the air conditioner out of my living room window. And NO frost here yet. What's left of my garden just keeps producing. My cucumber plants were on their last leg two weeks ago. But I keep discovering fresh cucumbers with every check of the garden. I can't remember a time I was still picking cukes into October. Scattered beans too it seems. What's up with temps in the 80's several days in a row going into October? A nice breeze today is keeping it another perfect fall day. Colors are coming on no matter the temperatures though. We'll be peaking as usual in another two weeks I bet.

Turkeys galore it seems. Had to stop for a flock in the road pecking at acorns yesterday afternoon on our way to the Deerfield Fair. Some years back I remember a good dusting of snow with sloggy walking at the fair this same weekend. And yesterday the heavens opened up on us with gentle showers between cloud bursts. But it sure kept the crowds at bay. Slim pickings for the concession stands though. The granddaughters loved the pony rides and hugging the dairy cows. Me too.... I mean watching them.

In my walks this week the critters sure have been scarce. Save for one wooly bear caterpillar, Erin, age five, calls them "kalipitters", tickling me to no end. Forest paths are becoming leaf covered as the brown and turning leaves are already giving way to a winters look. You'd think they would not give up on summer so easily since it has continued to be summer-like. But they are and each good puff of a breeze sends more my way as I walk. Have you ever just lay on your back in a falling forest trying to catch some leaves, even just one? It's great fun. Why not try it this fall.