September’s moods make for exciting month
- Bruce Stambaugh: The Rural View
- September 8, 2021
- 834
September is underway, and she has already walked on the wild side. Hot, steamy days evolved into torrential rains and flooding, mainly thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Ida.
Cool, refreshing days immediately followed. Bright morning sunshine sparkled dew-laden lawns. Blue skies filled the day from sunrise to sunset.
The cooler evenings made for pleasant sleeping. For that reason alone, September is a favorite month for many folks. I’m a card-carrying member of that crowd.
I will confess, however, that I didn’t fully appreciate September’s many personality traits until I retired from my education career. Sure, I enjoyed the pleasantries September offered. But I did not truly comprehend the many moods of her 30-day span.
As a youngster, September meant school, and that garnered most of my attention. It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate the month. I just wanted to enjoy the pleasant evenings by playing after school. Homework? What homework?
I was too preoccupied during my college years to embrace September’s temperaments fully. Working full-time during the day and attending night school for two years left little leisure time. Then it was all campus life once I became a “real” student.
After graduating, my educational career demanded my utmost attention as the school year unfolded in September. Still, I managed to roam the hills and dales of Holmes County, if only to get acquainted with my new surroundings.
Now, decades later, I am replicating that experience by exploring the Shenandoah Valley. September’s fairer weather spurs day trips to historical locales up and down the valley and into its adjoining alluring mountains.
It’s one of the blessings of being fully retired. You truly get to enjoy each day without the pressures of study or labor. September and retirees seem made for one another.
September isn’t always gracious, of course. As already noted, the damaging, drenching and deadly consequences of Ida bear witness. Fortunately, September’s blissful days usually outnumber her unruly ones.
September serves as a monthly measuring stick. Her moods lull us while she melds summer into autumn in the northern hemisphere. The autumnal equinox occurs on Sept. 22 at 3:20 p.m.
To fully appreciate all September offers, it’s best to rise early. Fog-shrouded sunrises spread sunbeams across the morning sky. Like the dawn, those scenes fade quickly.
Long before that, however, September always gives us hints of things to come. The first frost, changing leaves, golden mums, plump pumpkins and flocks of migrating birds all weave their way into September’s algorithms.
My morning walks in Holmes County verified that fact. Overnight fog dappled the landscape opaque, with millions of dewdrops revealing the once invisible spider webs’ intricate artistry.
Once-emerald poison ivy vines blushed crimson, capturing weather-worn fence posts like kudzu. Eastern bluebirds sat cooing in an already leafless walnut tree. Crunched by passing cars, trucks and tractors, the tree’s tarry fruit stained black splotches on the rural road’s chip and seal surface.
I see similar signs of September’s power on my morning strolls here in Virginia. Vibrant succulents brim with luscious heads of pink flower heads. Pollinators squabble for their nourishing nectar.
Sensing fall’s onslaught, we humans pack artificial gatherings into our already-busy days. However, street fairs, lawn parties and backyard barbecues are no match for September’s natural wonders.
In these intermittent days that transform summer into fall, September allows us to catch our collective breath. As September days thrill us with her majestic magistery, our senses absorb her offerings.
Will we stay still enough to observe, hear and appreciate them? How we each respond to September’s opportunities reflects our joy.
Bruce Stambaugh writes about nature, weather, hobbies and people, often using personal experiences. Much to their dismay, he also writes about his family. He uses humor and pathos when he can’t think of anything else to include. To read more The Rural View, visit Stambaugh at www.thebargainhunter.com.