Nature Calls the Shots

In spite of 90^o temperatures, gardens still spewing the last crop of tomatoes and okra amid overpowering weeds, air conditioners still humming away, and tree leaves still flushed with green, there are tell-tale hints of coming autumn.  The presence of the ubiquitous school buses may be man’s indication of coming autumn, but nature is giving us a hint with the sudden proliferation of bright yellow cornflowers, blue chicory, and purple iron weed. I was driving to a friend’s house along Nutbush Road in Lunenburg County on Sunday and the road was festooned with continuous rows of cornflowers.  Nature and not the calendar is hinting that autumn is not far off.

 David Torrence

Meherrin, Va.