Seasons of Calm

      My granddaughter Zion                                                       INDIAN SUMMER

 asked me this morning, what is your favorite season? " Now,"I said. It's called Indian summer." Its the time of year when the nights are cooling off a bit and the monsoons have begun. When the stillness of a change is in the air. I told her to look up in the sky. She exclaimed "Balloons"! Where we live, hot air balloons began to dot the skies when the air in the morning is cooler.  Several drifted over as we were enjoying the patio outside. You began to see a  slight change in the leaves on the trees especially up toward the mountains. My morning glories are beautiful this time of year draping our fence in their hot pink hues and our sunflowers are towering up toward the blue, blue morning skies. Underneath them are deep orange marigolds and purple statis. The hummingbirds are still coming, but a little less frequently.The golden and house finches are still feasting at their seed socks. In the garden, our black-eyed peas are growing like crazy and the squash is finally coming along. Our peach trees are weighted down with loads of peaches that need just a little longer before picking. The days are hinting that cooler weather is on the way. The pumpkins will be ready in about 8-10 weeks and freezing and canning will be a typical sight in the kitchen. I love the gradual slide into fall around here. Our pool is still open but we are only taking a few dips a week now. Kids are in school, and the anticipation of football games are on my mind. Green chilis are being  roasted and you can smell the wonderful New Mexico aroma filling the air at most grocery stores and open markets.  I love the time of year!