Summer said ‘hang on…not so fast.’
Golden light, a few fallen leaves, and sweatshirts in the morning convinced us that the relief of Fall was finally upon us. “Fools,” said Mother Nature.
She has prepared one last (we hope!) hurrah –
a farewell blast of week-long century-plus heat as if to torture us and our exhausted garden.
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” ~ John Steinbeck
The summer heat and rationed water have left the Memorial Garden looking very different in early September than in season’s past.
Missing are the Dahlias, Coneflowers, and Sunflowers. But the Obedience Plant, Asters, and Goldenrod stilled arrived on schedule.
We soldier on…taking our example from our lioness, Ginger.
At eight years old, this only-dog-child was displaced when a tiny human child came along. She lost her family and at the same time, her hips gave way to severe hip dysplasia. Surrendered to us, she had bilateral FHO hip surgery to restore her mobility and relieve her pain.
It has been a long, difficult summer – and she is ready and anxious for a new season to begin.
With this sweet face and soulful eyes, we’re pretty sure it is just around the corner…
Waiting patiently with our Fall.
Thanks to Rob Kessel for his beautiful Ginger portrait.
Gardens For Goldens 
I don’t understand humans sometimes. They surrender their pets as though they were toys on a shelf. I’m just thankful they surrendered her to you and not a high-kill shelter. Meanwhile, most of our August was spent trying to help our beloved girl, Callie, fight lymphoma. But the cancer metastasized and we had to send her on her way to the Rainbow Bridge. We are all devastated.
To be fair, Ginger was less than thrilled with the idea of not being the only “child.” I’m assuming the family worked hard to help her with the adjustment, but regardless – I’m very glad she made her way to us. I’m very about the loss of Callie. Damn cancer! Hugs to you.
Our most favorite pet was a collie mix from the shelter named Ginger. Just looking at your Ginger’s beautiful face brought a smile and a hope for a family to come forward and give her the love she deserved. I think about you and my other CA blogger friends every time I read or hear about the water situation.
We just recently listed her as available. I suspect it will not be long now. Such a sweetie. And too bad weather fronts don’t move from east to west! We would happily take some of your rain.
we are not ready for the fall we are enjoying summer, but we know there is a season for everything, and we love our family with or withoutpaws
To everything there is a season . . . That garden is so beautiful and tranquil, with or without the colorful flowers. Special people have put in a lot of time and labor getting it that way, and their love and attention shows — just like it does with the dogs. I’ve no doubt Ginger will soon be the love of someone’s life.
Thank you, Patti. Ginger says “thanks” too!
Isn’t it interesting the way gardens manage to adapt to the whims of Mother Nature? The result may not be what we had intended, but if we look at it with an open mind it can be beautiful. There’s an analogy there somewhere for Ginger’s life. She’s a beautiful girl with such sweet eyes, and I have great confidence that her life will be beautiful in once unexpected ways. Good luck, girl!
Oh, I wish I’d written it that way! Another reason why you’re so amazing. 🙂
You’re too sweet!