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It is difficult to realize that fall is upon us.

As I gaze out the window of the withering flowers of summer, it is hard to believe that fall is waiting on the doorstep. The female hummingbirds are still around and in fact dueling with a male migrating from somewhere north of here. I wonder where he spent his summer, but glad he stopped at our yard on his long journey.

Traveling Again

In just ten short days, we will make our way to Canaan Valley, West Virginia for a leaf peeping journey. I have been here many times, first being introduced to one of fall's earliest shows by my father many years ago. It is nice to see the final flurry of wildflowers before the inevitable winds of winter close the growing season. Many varieties of asters, goldenrods, gentians, and ladies' tresses orchids will brighten the floors of woods and open wetlands. This subtle bloom while beautiful is often lost to the increasing palette of colors of the trees above.

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I feel as though I was just out looking for the first woodland wildflowers of spring when even a minute bloom gives excitement to new life. I am fortunate that it is only the beauty of this early show that inspires me and not the need for fresh greens for a food source that was vital for the indigenous people and early settlers. No grocery store was available then!

I close by thanking all of you that have purchased my book "Spring Wildflowers of Eastern Woodlands, Photos, Facts, and Folklore". I hope over the winter, you can look at it and rejoice in the fact that spring will come again. But don't forget to enjoy the beauty of fall and the peace of winter.

Best wishes to everyone!

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Spring Wildflowers of Eastern Woodlands, Photos, Facts, and Folklore

The book is 215 pages, 263 photos, and 95 different species of wildflowers. A combination of medicinal usage by Indigenous people and early settlers, folklore and food usage is provided for the wildflowers as obtained from extensive research.