It's the 1st of October, the day after Rosh Hashanah and a few days after the New Moon. Late flowers still bloom in the gardens and along the roadways here in Midcoast Maine. The old Ash tree is in full color, a purple than defies description, while the red maples light the edges of the fields. A bit of wood smoke hangs in the early morning chill, and the Autumn sun brings a far off light that seems too thin to hold much warmth.

This year the summer garden was an explosion of produce; a delicious bounty throughout the growing season. There are more stray tomatoes to be picked and the beets are superlative this year. Hidden acorn squash gather in the pucker brush, but to me they seem like money in the bank. Actually, I feel better about them then any money I would have in the bank, but that's another matter.

Autumn arrived officially last week, so we have met the end of summer and now embrace the dark half of the year. The nights will be longer than the days for the next six months, until the Spring Equinox tips the balance once again. The Autumn months are the time between the steamy, hot Summer and bitter, cold Winter; a time of transition. Here we get ready to nestle down and settle in for the long, cold months. There is wood to stack, food to store, windows to wash and plants to repot and bring in. We heat with wood, and it's all dry and paid for. We're one of the fortunate few that have no heating worries this year. How I wish it was true for more Mainers. But we know it gets cold every year, so we plan ahead.

The economic crisis and the election are on my mind. I have strong opinions and feelings and I try to remember that I cannot control the outcome of these situations. My energy is better spent planting the garlic for next year's harvest. I can make compost and weed my gardens. I wave at the migrating geese and blow kisses to the last monarch as it drifts over the trees and out of sight. I wonder at our ignorance and shutter at our stupidity.

I'm glad I'm here to witness this time of change. The future generations will look back and laugh, in amazement and disbelief. We are seeing the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase in history. I only hope that the future generations will have learned from our mistakes, because they will certainly be paying for them.

So in this time of endings and beginnings, I will pull the dead plants and nuisance weeds from my life and plant anew. Crocus, for color and hope in the Spring, and garlic for strength and health. I remember that all endings are only new beginnings and I have faith that this too shall pass.

Now I'll go and find my 4 year old neighbor and teach her how to plant some bulbs.

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