Fall in the Garden

It's been in the 80's all month, and in fact, it was 92° as recently as September 30.  However, the inevitableness of the changing seasons is finally catching up with us.  While today is forecast to be 81°, tonight will see the first 40-something low since last spring.  Tomorrow may struggle to reach 70°.

Last Wednesday I cut back the summer's heavy growth in the turtleariums and cleared out the bunkers.  The very next day the boys were down in their safe winter spaces.  They haven't dug deeper in yet and later I'll be mulching the entrance tunnels for a little extra winter protection, but it's obvious that they are getting ready for their long annual snooze.  

Also a sign of the season, we put out the heated kitty mat for Fluffy, the feral cat in the backyard.  It's under a garden table that we cover with a plastic tarp for protection from rain and snow.  The first night that we turned it on (at the lowest setting), Fluffy spent the wee hours of the night on the heating pad.  

I'll put the camera trap out a couple more times to make sure the habitat isn't attracting anyone else (other cats, raccoons, skunks).  For now, here's glimpse of Fluffy waiting for breakfast. 

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

Last night the clouds broke just right and the comet was visible after 7:00.  I got calls from Ty in Chamita who was having a great time viewing it.  We had about 6 neighbors stop by for our impromptu astronomical party.  

 

Weather forecast is for even clearer skies tonight. 

Home Again, Home Again... Jiggity-Jig

Got home after 22 hours of travel.  Did quite well until Seattle.  Then miles of walking followed by 2½ hours in a hard, non-reclining commuter aircraft seat finished me off.  Sciatica.  

Now, 2½ weeks later, I'm fairly functional for short bits and I get by with just a lumbar brace.  My quadriceps tighten up at anything more than a short walk.  

I've got a preliminary cut done on photos and a crude video created for streaming to the television.  Or the telly, as they say in Britain. 

Last night the Kp values were off the charts, so Ric and Terry joined me for a drive out to the Highway 6 exit.  Indeed, faint waves of red were visible, more so to the camera eyes.  

Looking NW through broken clouds

Jolly Old England

We made it to England and mercifully, the weather was wonderful.  I'll get back to our adventures in London later, but for a first go at some photos from the English countryside, I submit these: 

Japanese Rest House at Batsford Arboretum

Charlescote

Birch grove at Hidcote

Rock Garden at Hidcote

One of many garden rooms at Hidcote