First Day of Autumn 2017

autumn
Autumn

First Day of Autumn 2017

The first day of autumn in New Mexico is always exciting. Chile roasting and the State Fair are almost over, but the Balloon Fiesta, Marigold Parade, arrival of the cranes and other migratory birds, and gorgeous days with cool, crisp nights are still ahead. This is how the day began:

autumn sunrise
Sunrise Looking WEST

While I grew Mexican sunflowers many years ago in Arizona, this is the first year I have grown them in New Mexico. I had forgotten how much I liked them. Because I now know, I plan to grow them in subsequent years. In addition, the pollinators like them, too.

autumn
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia)

Other flowers that bloom well up until frost are cosmos. They come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Pollinators like cosmos also.

Autumn
Fall Cosmos

The first day of fall 2017 began beautifully. I was reminded of this quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne:

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.”

I’m going out to enjoy it now, but with sun protective clothes and hat. 🙂 Wishing you a beautiful day, too.

4 Replies to “First Day of Autumn 2017”

  1. Thank you for the beautiful flowers! I don’t remember ever seeing Mexican sunflowers. Quite a dynamic color! Have to sow some for next year!
    Also, I missed commenting on your sun protective clothing post. Hope you don’t mind me inserting comments here? I love your choices- the glasses, shirts and hats! You look so lovely in all of the photos. I have also been wearing wide brimmed hats and sun protective shirts! Must be that time for many of us. And I, too am wearing sunglasses more religiously. Last year I developed a pterygium on the surface of my left eyeball. Who would know a dry climate and sun’s rays would cause a callous on an eyeball! I am glad your cataract were successfully dealt with.
    Here’s to autumn beauty!

    1. Hi, Laurie. The Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia) are as easy to grow as regular sunflowers. I think you would enjoy them!
      Yeah, *that* time. I have bilateral pterygium, etc. I used to say I would never wear “those old people sunglasses” but I like them. My eyes definitely feel better with them. And the manufacturers have improved the appearance.
      Years ago I bought a sun protective shirt, and hated it. My dermatologist wrote in about 12 places in my chart, “to wear sun protective clothing and hats.” You can’t overlook 12 times. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much better *they* are now, too.
      Thanks for dropping by. I’m headed back out to enjoy this wonderful day – so perfect!

Comments are closed.

Show Buttons
Hide Buttons
%d bloggers like this: