Catalpa Leaves

 The weather is still warm but the catalpa in our yard is telling us that we are moving into autumn. Those big leaves are losing chlorophyl. A map of bright green veins remain, showing how the leaves nourish themselves. This brief time is when they look the most beautiful. Our catalpa does not make a graceful and colorful transition into winter. Instead, those very large leaves shrivel, turn brown from the edges in, then drop, leaving a tangle of bare spreading branches. But for a few more days, we will have those bright green veins.  

Morning Glories On The Fence

Late this summer, I noticed that the curling stem of a morning glory vine was climbing up my side fence. It's an accidental gift, a sister of the vines that live in my neighbor's yard. I am thrilled! Every part of the morning glory is a source of inspiration; color that changes as the day lengthens, heart-shaped leaves, starry centers in the blossoms and those wildly undulating tendrils. So now I am hoping for a mild autumn and more time to enjoy my new floral friend.

Ceiling, Uffizi Gallery

 Today I am visiting Florence's Uffizi Gallery. I'm making the trip in my mind, walking down the corridors, looking up at the frescoed ceilings. My neck is getting sore from this, so I've decided to lie down on the polished wood floor and study the figures from mythology surrounded by colorful, fanciful creatures. Originally, these were offices. I'm imagining a 16th century accountant taking a break, pacing up and down the corridor. Hopefully he stopped to study the dragons and mermaids.

Monarch On Asters

When I am outside, I look for the monarchs. They are sadly and worryingly rare this year. The milkweed pods have not yet opened but the asters are blooming. I watched this monarch for a good long time, fluttering from flower to flower, with no companions in sight. Thank goodness for those who plant sustenance for the butterflies. Perhaps their efforts will help the monarch population to grow.