Autumn Equinox

It's September 23 and today, this very morning - the day is equal. Twelve hours of night gave way to twelve equal hours of day. But, from this point on we will lose daylight. Each day will give up it's light to the darkness. Inch by inch, minute by minute. Not only will time be given but intensity. The direction from which the daylight is flodding changes as well.  My vines are already showing this effect. They have noticed the sun is not shining as harshly.

But today is a celebration. The Pagan and Wiccan celebration of Mabon, Christians usually call it the harvest. Even the original settlers in America celebrated this with not only harvesting but replanting winter crops as well. Cover crops of rye harvesting and storing of goods for winter begins.

Of course in this modern day and age it's barely acknowledged. But for me this is about the time when I notice the largest change. A week ago as a matter of fact. A week ago I got home and it was starting to get dark already. I'm running out of time before i can tend to the garden. It means for me that I have to choose what I want to do, rather than being able to tend to what needs done as it needs it. It also means reacting to the gardens needs rather than being proactive. The good news is that it also comes at a time when the bugs start to slow down and the watering needs decrease as well.

While I may not be celebrating, after all my system CRAVES sunlight an long days, I yearn for vegetables that are easier to take care of and for the rebirth of Spring. After all I can't have Spring unless I have Fall and Winter with it.

Now don't take me wrong. I know that it may seem slightly crass coming from me way down here in the deep South of Florida where our temperatures rarely drop much below freezing. But trust me, I do mark the seasonal changes. They may be slight here but every tiny bit counts and I can tell you one thing. Summer certainly didn't give up easily. She did not go out like a lamb. Summer sank her teeth in and decidedly went out like a lion. Here is the picture i took on my cell on the way home last night:

Monsoons are still here and there. This one dumped over 3 inches in under 2 hours. We passed plenty of cars that did not make it home that night. Flooded cars are not uncommon here. We'll still fluctuate for a few more weeks but as the nights get longer they also get cooler. Once they stay under 75 degrees these torrential rains usually die off. That change will be coming soon! Within weeks the relief will be felt and my peppers will rejoice, my carrots and lettuce will finally set and cruciferous veggies shall UNITE! (All right that is a little over the top, but darn it I can't wait for nice weather again!)

May your streets drain well, your rains be steady and not too harsh, your nights cool and....

'Till next time!

Barbie~