Summer’s end . . .

Wende McIlwain
Sep 1, 2018 · 3 min read

September 1st and we are delivered most willingly into 50 degree September weather, after a blur of a summer season, filled with weird weather (excessive Spring chill and rains, a protracted drought, and a stretch of high heat and humidity) from which we are just emerging. After waiting in anticipation for summer, I realize it is a very mixed blessing and I much prefer Autumn.
The land was generous . . .

Dry garden doin’ its best . . .
Peasant tending his fields . . . illustrating the proper anti-tick sock wear . . .
Garlic scapes abound . . .
Bee at its ecstatic work in the Rosa Rugosa
Sweet, healing Chamomile harvest . . .

Summer is always a time of both repose and madness as too many delights (and tourists) cluster together in two short months. Although our lives were much enriched by visitations from several old friends from DC, “the kids” from London, and an intrepid mix of family and friends from NYC to close out the season, more pictures were taken of food and flowers than people. The latter run and hide and just won’t stand still — mostly.

Summer activities . . .

Encounters with the sea

On the rocks at Marshall Point Light . . .

the concoction of cocktails

Brooklyn Mixologist questing after choice liquid . . .
The fruits of his labors . . . thank you C!

The coming of Bocci unto the land (thank you, W!)

Designer Bocci balls as art . . .

Migrant labor comes to Eight Beds Medicinal to assist aged gardener with garlic and calendula harvests

In the fields with “migrant” labor . . .
Calendula drying — on its way to becoming oil and salve, so nurturing of the skin.
Bottled & stylishly labeled by “migrant “ — dried calendula blossom begin a six week steep, to release their goodness in the oil . . .
Garlic expertly pulled, cleaned, bundled and hung to cure by “migrant”. . . Good help is so hard to find!

An elf house was built off the beaten path in the still woods . . .

Move-in ready

and civic duties were done . . .

Citizens preparing to de-trash the Glenmere Road

All good things come to an end to make room for whatever is next . . . a Chicago wedding, an October trip to London and then the holiday season.

People standing still . . . thank you!

Stand by for the next installment — more encounters on the sea from a guest contributor . . .

Happy Autumn wherever you are — Wende

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