September is finally here!  We have entered into the four fall-time months.  In September we are blessed with so many beautiful changes.  We harvest and prepare foods to be stored for the coming fall and winter months.  We celebrate the first day of autumn, also known as Mabon, and we give our thanksgivings for our bountiful harvests.

Things are different this time of year.  The green of the plants begin to wither and turn brown. The trees in this area of the state started turning their leaves late August.  On Mabon, I visited an area apple orchard.  While visiting with the farmer, he brought to my attention what a difficult year it’s been with the drought over the summer.  His apples were far fewer than previous years, but damn they were delicious! Canadian geese are everywhere now.  Late afternoon near sundown, the geese move about in huge flocks and their honking about in the diminishing sunlight is a delight to experience.

The morning bird, the goldfinch, is gone from the scene and now the crow is out and about at sunrise; strong and black on tree tops and in area fields.  It warms my heart on chilly mornings to see and hear these black birds, cackle and crow about. 

Lake Michigan has developed a crisp deep blue hue over the past few weeks.  Our sunrise is now at about 06:55 hrs and sundown is nearly at 1800 hrs.  With less sunlight to warm us, we are having cooler days and even cooler nights.  The cool air blowing through the area this month is also cooling down the temperature of the lake, creating the crisp deep blue ocean effect. 

Many area cornfields have already been harvested. Soon after the corn dried this year, the leaves of trees burst into beautiful green, yellow, orange, red, and purple bouquets. Drying the corn has always fascinated me deeply and after watching the cycle of corn over the years, I can understand why the Maya worshiped corn’s cousin known as maize.  The energy of a cornfield throughout the summer months gives off such strength, as it stands so strong and sturdy, and once it begins to dry, that strong sturdy energy makes way for an overwhelming sense of the summer season ending.  Within two to three weeks, the corn plant that was once a deep dark lush green begins to turn yellow and then brown and dry and crispy to the touch.  The Maya followed this change, too, and for me, my gatherer instincts kick in high gear at this point, and it’s time to freeze, can, jam and jelly my way into fall. 

The Town of Erin is nearly at its peak color right now and within two weeks you may miss this beautiful display autumn!  Don’t delay!  Pack a picnic lunch and head to Holy Hill where you can hike through trails which connect to the Ice Age Trail or climb the stairs of Holy Hill’s Scenic Tower where you will discover a breath taking view of much of the southeastern area of the state.  On a clear day you can see Milwaukee from the top of the tower!  No worries if hiking ain't your thang.  A leisurely drive through the winding roads of the Town of Erin will give you a delightful view, too.  Don’t forget to stop and picnic beneath the red and yellow maples at one of the picnic areas of Holy Hill, like my younger sister and niece and I did just yesterday.  Chilly autumn blessings to you all! Have a blast!