This is the view from my front porch in late summer.
Soon, this view will change.
I waited, so eagerly, so impatiently, this spring for the leaves to come on the trees. I could hardly remember what green was like. I think I will never get used to the fact that the leaves just aren’t on the trees here until May.
I took this picture in April.
It’s hard to remember that we can see the river from our house when the leaves are off the trees.
I live with this present green every day, taking it for granted most of the time, as if it will last forever. But it won’t. West Virginia has a true four-season climate. I’ve lived here in our new farmhouse for two of them so far. I look forward to each one as if it’s a gift I get to unwrap. And as if it’s just for me.
I want to know my farm in all its different outfits. I want to see the woods on fire with the turning leaves, and I want to see snow fall over the distant hills.
Yet as soon as each season comes, I know that I will be itching for the next.
And so for these last days of summer, I want to see summer, in all its hot, lush glory. I want to enjoy too much zucchini, hot car seats that stick to my legs, the near-dry river ford that laughs at me as I cross it, chickens that don’t want to lay yet, a goat that doesn’t want to be milked, football practices that never end, evenings on the porch, and the word August at the top of my calendar.
Because soon….. Soon…..
It will all be gone.
Heidi says:
Fall is coming hard and fast here too!! You are not going to be disapointed with the color I am sure!!!
On August 24, 2008 at 6:51 am
jane says:
Summer is my least favorite, maybe if I didnot live in the city it would help. i love fall and winter the best. i guess each one folds into the other so one cant be without the other. instead of being gone, perhaps they are just in hibernation until it is their time to come forward.
where did you meet 52?
On August 24, 2008 at 7:21 am
Kathryn says:
My Himself and I were talking the other day about our need for four distinct seasons. We aren’t so sure about staying here year-round when retirement happens, but we do know that we will need at least a little bit of winter. The trees aren’t beginning to change yet, but some of the berry bushes are getting that tired green of late summer. The sumac along the highway is beginning to redden. The August foggy mornings have been many, promising snow this winter! I love fall. My days are filled with puttering outside and watching our woods change by the hour. Thanks for the memory starter this morning!
On August 24, 2008 at 7:35 am
Lisa L. says:
I love Fall and Spring the most. I especially love the cool weather for walking when the sun is shining down and their is a gorgeous breeze.
On August 24, 2008 at 7:56 am
Jillybean says:
Ohhhh, I am eagerly awaiting fall. I love the colors of all the trees here in the moutains, all the festivals toat are going on…it is my favorite time.
On August 24, 2008 at 7:57 am
Abiga/karen says:
Thanks. You made me really think about enjoying each season for what it is. There is something I like about each season. This is our first experience with each season at my daughter’s new little farm. We are starting with summer when we moved in and will be working through each season as it goes by. Blessings.
On August 24, 2008 at 8:14 am
Shirley says:
I love Fall here in WV. I love the colors, the feel, the smell,the chilly, foggy mornings.Foddershocks and pumpkins, scarecrows and walnuts, walnuts everywhere.Applebutter making,hot apple cider…………Mothman Festival.
😮 Mothman Festival?? :shocked:
Held in Point Pleasant WV every September 20th.
The hayride through the T.N.T. area is so cool :rockon:
On August 24, 2008 at 8:23 am
Anna Adams says:
I live farther south than you, and it’s hotter here than there, but I cannot wait for fall. If it lasted half the year, I’d be happy!
Beautiful haul from your secret garden! :hungry:
On August 24, 2008 at 8:25 am
Suzette says:
Fall is my favorite time of year, and it was one thing I really appreciated about living in Maryland. During the fall, I drove all around – Delaware, Pennsylvaia, West Virginia, Virginia. So lovely! We do have four seasons here in Western TN, but a little less winter than I would like. I kind of miss that. Those red leaves on bare branches actually gave me a chill just now. We won’t have fall color until mid to late October – and beyond. But we’ll have it, and for that I’m thankful.
Keep us posted with lots of photos!
On August 24, 2008 at 8:42 am
Kacey says:
I can’t wait for fall. Crisp weather. Sweaters. All the fall color. Love it! The only season I don’t like is winter. Give me one snowfall, let it melt, then I’m so done with it.
On August 24, 2008 at 8:49 am
Diane says:
I am not ready for Summer to be over just yet. Call me crazy but I am not ready to send my kid back to school. Just too much to do with her yet. Lunches, walkes, collecting stuff. lol. But I look forward to fall here in PA. The changeing of the leaves, cooler weather, fall fetivals, new places to explore. Winter is hard on me though. I can do with out cold temps, snow, and wet. lol.
On August 24, 2008 at 8:57 am
Lora says:
I look forward to fall. I want to do a lot of work in my garden and since the ground doesn’t freeze up in Virginia in October, I can do all sorts of stuff!
I went up on the mountain yesterday and there were a few trees beginning to change.
I hope there will be enough rain this autumn and wonder what kind of winter we will have.
Thinking about the land and garden, my house and family, gives me a calm center to return to over and over when the world outside of that (and a place I must be as well) is overwhelming. It is a great comfort to know there are many people who love this sight and return to it. I think it nurtures a kindness of heart….makes people feel good, maybe even a little wistful. Thanks Suzanne for giving us all a pie porch to sit on and take a break from the obama/clinton/holeintheozone/oilprices/outsourcing/americaat war/poularitypoles/planecrashes/mileycyrus/mediaspin/politics and so much more that we are all bombarded with.
Thank you for sharing your beautifully imperfect, no-pants-on world with us.
On August 24, 2008 at 10:02 am
Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife says:
The Farmer and I love the four seasons also. We find something to appreciate in each turn of the weather. I love the fact that you’re able to see the river in winter. When we retire we’re going to the top of a mountain in Arkansas. It’s only three seasons there, so hopefully we’ll be happy with that.
– Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
On August 24, 2008 at 10:16 am
Cyndi B says:
I’m noticing some leaf changing here in Michigan too. I love the changing seasons, just which fall would wait a little bit longer!!
:snoopy: Beagles rule!
On August 24, 2008 at 10:18 am
Cyndi B says:
wish…not which!
On August 24, 2008 at 10:18 am
Claudia W. says:
We just have very suttle changes in seasons. It’s pretty mundane. Summer is mainly fog, fall brings the heat for a few weeks. Winter just rains sometimes, a lot, sometimes not. Spring is just the end of the harder rains. I don’t know what I would feel if we had actual seasons. I have lived here all my life. So I will just live vicariously through your blog and pictures and tales of the farm. Thank you for that opportunity!
On August 24, 2008 at 10:29 am
IowaCowgirl says:
You are so right about the seasons. I feel the same: can’t wait til the next one.
I especially love your “April” photo!
Thanks!
On August 24, 2008 at 10:34 am
J says:
WOW, I’d stay on your porch watching the river even if I had to bundle up in 50 layers. What a great porch and all it’s many views! Who needs TV?
Gorgeous pic of your garden goodies.
On August 24, 2008 at 11:58 am
Shari C says:
What beautiful views you have from your porch…you are very lucky. Living in Minnesota we have the four seasons also and I enjoy seeing the changes, especially the turning of the leaves in Fall…so beautiful. Each season has its own beauty and things to enjoy about it.
On August 24, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Jennifer Robin says:
I know how you feel. Our chipmunks have pretty much gone into hiding, and I have to wonder if may mean a harsh winter ahead.
On August 24, 2008 at 12:13 pm
catslady says:
I would be happy with 3 seasons. Now that I’m older I really hate shoveling and driving when there is ice. An occasional snow storm when I don’t have to go out would be nice. And Spring has always been my favorite. It’s very welcome after a long,cold winter. New beginnings and all that.
On August 24, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Jean says:
It’s nice to see someone who knows a good thing when they have it and appreciates it. Enjoy the fall.https://chickensintheroad.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/purr.gif
On August 24, 2008 at 1:36 pm
robin says:
heard that because we had such a wet summer we would have
a really cold winter…since we are in florida i would
assume that all of the states in between florida and wv
would also be cooler than usual! i am looking forward
to cooler! :snoopy:
On August 24, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Sue says:
We live near the Texas Gulf Coast and we don’t have much fall or winter. I’m envious about that! I’d love to travel up there and see the changing of the leaves. Sue
On August 24, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Katharina says:
You’ve said it just right. I love all seasons, they all offer something wonderful to behold. We must learn to slow down our crazy activities and get outdoors and enjoy. I’ve taken my walks in rain, snow, sleet, heat, fog and perfect weather. It’s all good you know.
On August 24, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Brandy says:
But Fall brings in glorious color that changes from red, to gold to orange to brown. Fall brings crisp air and the smell of woodsmoke in the air. Fall brings thoughts of bakes apples and Family gatherings. *G*
On August 24, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Donna says:
Your vegies and the lush green trees are so pretty! Fortunately, we have alot of land around here too, so I know what you are enjoying! However, you are fortunate to have 4 true seasons, because we don’t – it’s mostly stinkin hot and humid = blech!
What a gift it is to just be able to stroll your yard too! My nephew was fishing up in Alaska last month, at a relatives home and they panicked when they could not find him..he was in the big backyard playing ball with the dog. “You can’t just amble off up there, as Kodiac bears can charge you out of the blue (woods) and they are much faster! (he didn’t know that!) So, yes, the things we take for granted!
On August 24, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Susan says:
We have trees changing color already! 😮 I do love Fall, but this year it is coming to early.
On August 24, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Dana says:
I like your winter view best!
On August 24, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Nell says:
Another wonderful blog…..maybe I’m living vicariously?
Envious of definite seasons and the changing of…..! Still very hot here.
On August 24, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Estella says:
I’m looking forward to Fall. I can put my yard and flower gardens to bed until spring.
On August 24, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Carolyn A. says:
We don’t get to see the seasons change here in the big harsh city like they do in the country. The only way I notice the change is by what they put in the planting pots dotted on the sidewalks and the change in the air. The city gave us daisies for late Spring this year, which were very pretty. Didn’t last long though as people kept pulling them up and throwing them on the ground. Very selfish of them. I do see two trees everyday across the street though and I watch them as much as I can to see the changes come and go.
Will be coming here to see your woods change too. xxoo
On August 24, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me says:
We drove through a tiny section of West Virginia on our way to and from Lancaster County in May.
Beautiful country!
On August 24, 2008 at 7:33 pm
BekBek says:
Your seasons in WV sound very much like the ones here in Utah. However we have an extra season between Summer and Fall…It doesn’t have a name, but the beautiful greens of summer fade to dry and brown in the hot hot desert sun. Fall is a beautiful, welcome relief and usually doesn’t last long enough before the freezes come and we start on Winter!
On August 24, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Jodie says:
Here in North Texas, summer starts in April or May and goes to October or November. Or at least it seems like it… this year with all the heat. Spring and Fall are fleeting seasons that come and go quickly. Then we get our sometimes harsh for texas winter… a bit of an ice storm and some snow … just a day or week at most. Mostly just miserable wet winters with short days. I relish my summer and hope to keep it going until October. I’ll see your leaves long distance. I’m a Texan born and bred. No snow memories, no leaf memories, just hot summer memories.
On August 24, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Kathi says:
I am really looking forward to your new fall photos! Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
On August 24, 2008 at 11:07 pm
SuzieQ says:
Here in NC the first thing that makes me notice that fall is approaching is the change of the light in the afternoon. As a photographer, you are aware of the slight difference in the afternoon angle as the shadows begin to appear…even before the temperature begins to lessen..Being retired does make it wonderful that if the winter ice hits us, as it often does here, I don’t have to worry about getting to work..Just make another pot of coffee or tea and enjoy the day, warm and cozy inside by the fire with my two dogs (I’ve been widowed for 12 years now), curled up within a step or two.
On August 25, 2008 at 1:23 am
Teresa H. says:
It’s hard to believe that it is nearly almost September already. We had a mild summer here, I don’t think in the town I live in that it got over 100 once. Which is a switch for July and August! Maybe I should wait a week before I say that! LOL I like watching the signs of the seasons…the hints they give that they are changing. When I grew up, mostly in SoCal in the desert, we didn’t have 4 seasons! And in the TX panhandle they were all mixed up all the time!
On August 25, 2008 at 10:47 am