COUNTING EACH DAY

photos by Bill Slavin

With Autumn, we sometimes hear the screech of a hawk being chased by a murder of crows. This morning the hawk sounded angry, chasing the crows through the trees, near enough to startle us so we ducked our heads. A hummingbird swooped down to the feeder and took a drink, oblivious to the ruckus around us.

by Bill Slavin

We have a fountain with goldfish and lily pads floating on it. In our first enthusiasm, we put far too many fish into the water, which became murky. We only see the goldfish when we sprinkle food on the water surface. The fish seem to thrive in the cloudy water otherwise. This weekend bees swarmed the lily pads, not for the flower nectar, but to have a drink on top of the pads. They are affected as we are by the extreme heat and smoke in the air.

by Bill Slavin

The other day as we headed out for our walk, we were surprised by a forest of mushrooms at the corner of the driveway. Our neighbor had cut down a tree in that spot and the mushrooms bloomed on its remains underground.

by Bill Slavin

As we watch the animals in our backyard prepare for Winter, we continue to count the days until the election is over, hoping that the results will do away with the stress and divisions that have surfaced in so many of us through the last four years. We cheer at the many signs for candidates lining the corners of busy intersections in our town, with more people than usual competing for spots on the fire district board, school board, and city council. We marvel at the long lines of voters in states where early voting is allowed and feel hope in people's renewed interest in our form of government.

Autumn is my favorite time of year. In many cultures, the season represents maturity and adulthood, a time of ripeness and harvest. It is also a reminder of the constancy of change, the ability to let go, and a time to seek comfort and warmth. Leaves turn, animals prepare for Winter, and we vote, all important parts of Autumn.

by Bill Slavin