Autumn is one month old and these past weeks have been filled with the rituals of the season. Simple rituals, such as replacing the nectar feeders with suet feeders, that can sooth my soul.
Downy woodpecker at nectar feeder.
Downy woodpecker at suet feeder.
Other rituals bring excitement. For example, on Monday, Chris’ girlfriend brought pumpkins for us to carve.
The practice of carving Jack-o-lanterns originated in Ireland. Originally, large turnips and potatoes were used but when the tradition was brought to America, the pumpkin became an essential part of this time honored ritual.
Three little pumpkins, sitting in a row; frightfully scary, faces all aglow!
Mulching the roses, storing the deck furniture and cutting back the gardens, are additional rituals of the season. The morning glory didn’t seem to want to leave. After I removed the dead vines a recent frost produced, she came back to life. Perhaps it was her final salute to the summer.
Morning glory’s swan song.
Even the ducks have their autumn rituals. First comes the molting of the males into fine fellows.
Looking gooood!
Then comes the pairing off.
Randy ducks!
Next, comes a little pre-breeding season (which isn’t until April!) action.
Who knew Mallards enjoyed doing the wild thing when egg laying isn’t the goal?
My nightly ritual includes the lighting a candle in honor of my goddess. Tonight I will light a white candle to celebrate the new moon, a time of new beginnings (wonderful ones I hope), fresh starts (I just got a part-time job and new car!), optimism, and faith.
My new wheels, thanks to The High-Line Motor Group in Lowell!
What are you rituals? Share them with me. If you don’t have any, start some. No time like the present to bring joy into our lives. Blessed be 🙂
concordriverlady.com 
Years ago I lived in a tiny house on the Concord River. I still like seeing how the river is doing. You house seems much better equipped to deal with spring waters than my house was…
Hi, thank you for stopping by. Where did you live? 🙂