The unofficial end of summer has shown up on our calendars again...Labor Day is here and we are lucky enough to be having a most uneventful weekend. After last weekends hurricane, we can only ask for calm winds and rivers that stay within their banks...if only we could send some of the flood waters down to Texas...would that we could!
For some, summer is what life is all about...the sunshine, the surf, kayaking around a lake and working on a killer tan...for me, it is all about the Fall season. Fields full of pumpkins, leaves turning shades of gold, orange, red and brown... and the crisp, cool evenings. To start off the month of September we went to a bar b que at a friends house...
and enjoyed some very good food and company
and had a lovely and most importantly serene day. A week ago our friends house was powerless, so having things be back to normal is just plain terrific.
This shot of the sun going down behind the river was taken yesterday from Sea Bright, NJ. It was a very quick moment in time that was snapped and gone in a flash. The community gardens are showing their end of the summer wear with a lot of wind damaged flowers and vines. Those giant sunflowers were knocked over courtesy of Hurricane Irene.
However, that hornets nest that I have been documenting over the summer is still hanging in there and I will leave you with two groups of pictures...
the first taken a week ago and the second one taken today.
I hope to continue taking these pictures right through the fall and if possible into the winter.
Linking up with Little Red House for Mosaic Monday and Smiling Sally for Blue Monday.
♥, Susan
Hornets nests are very scary to me! It hasn't been very many years since I was chased by a hornet and stung over and over on my back! It's one of the most painful stings! Enjoy the week ahead! It's nice to hear so many people love Fall...I'm going to try! ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | September 04, 2011 at 05:08 PM
So glad power is restored and you are enjoying it with friends. The food looks great. Those hornets nests are scary looking...
Posted by: ellen b | September 04, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Hi Susan, Your fall flowers are really pretty. So sorry you had to go through Irene, but glad things are nearly back to normal for you. Happy Fall!
Posted by: Beth at Beyond The Garden Gate | September 04, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Fall is also my favourite season, for all the reasons you mentioned. Beautiful post. Have a fantastic week:)
Posted by: A Garden of Threads | September 04, 2011 at 05:18 PM
You know, that hornet's nest is a work of art!!! Just hate that is houses such frightening critters/wasps. Wishing you a great rest-of the-weekend!
Posted by: Cathy | September 04, 2011 at 05:31 PM
I'm with you; I prefer the cool, cozy-sweater days of autumn to the hot and steamy ones. I must get some mums, like in your collage, for my front porch. Enjoy your week!
-Karen
Posted by: My Little Home and Garden | September 04, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Oh my gosh, my mouth just started watering at the thought (and sight) of Uncle Chris's foood......
Posted by: Jenna Ericson | September 04, 2011 at 06:43 PM
It is a shame that summer is coming to a close. There won't be many times to have bbqs and sit around outside with friends. Enjoy while it lasts I guess. V
Posted by: Valerie | September 04, 2011 at 07:03 PM
It was so hot in Denver the entire week I was there that I felt like I was still well into summer, Susan. I arrived home early this morning ti heavy fog and humidity...ugh! I am more than ready for the cooler temps of autumn. I am ready for sweater weather!
The hornet's nest is such a work of art, isn't it? I wonder if the hornets stay in it all Winter?
Posted by: Pat | September 04, 2011 at 08:01 PM
So glad to hear things are getting back to normal after the hurricane. What a shame about those lovely Sunflowers though. That hornets' nest is just enormous and looks rather like a piece of garden sculpture.
Thanks for dropping by to visit my blog. You asked about the kangaroo ... actually it's a wallaby and yes, it was sleeping with its head resting on its crossed front paws!
Posted by: Bernieh | September 04, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Boy oh boy do those wings look tasty! Glad you got to relax and enjoy yourself. I sure would hate to be too close to that hornet nest if it fell. WOWZY, that would be a heck of alot of mad hornets. Great mosiacs!
Posted by: Jann Olson | September 04, 2011 at 08:15 PM
your flower plants in the pots are delightful. I am glad you survived the hurricane relatively safely. Have a wonderful week, and thank you for stopping by my blog to say hi!
Posted by: Jill Harrison | September 04, 2011 at 09:26 PM
Now you have made my tummy rumble and I want those wings. They look great.So sorry about that mean Irene. Phew must have been scary!
Veronica
Posted by: Veronica | September 05, 2011 at 05:16 AM
Good to hear the power is restored. That is no fun. The flowers are lovely and I'm sure I'd be taking photos of the hornets!!!! Brave girl!
Posted by: Snap | September 05, 2011 at 06:13 AM
I certainly hope the hornet's nest has been vacated, for your safety especially! It is rather a magnificent sight to see, but at a safe distance, like via the internet ;). I'm happy for you to know that you and your loved ones remained safe through the hurricane.
Posted by: Shirley @ The Gardening Life | September 05, 2011 at 06:40 AM
A barbecue with friends is the best way to start a new month.
That wasps' nest is frightening! Like something from a Sci Fi movie!
Posted by: Pondside | September 05, 2011 at 07:25 AM
Move to Florida; we wear white shoes year-round.
Happy Blue Monday!
Posted by: Sally | September 05, 2011 at 08:53 AM
Hi Susan! Great mosaics! That hornet's nest is one scary looking thing! Hope all is well at your place and thank you for popping in to see me. I agree, we need another bridal shower after so many years of marriage - our things are wearing out! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
Posted by: shelia | September 05, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Glad to hear your getting back to normal after Irene. Summer is still here in SC. We are expecting tropical storm rains but hopefully that will be all.
Happy Blue Monday and Labor Day !!
Posted by: Annette | September 05, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Gorgeous photos!
Blue at my page, please come and see.
Posted by: chubskulit | September 05, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Oh my, that hornets nest is amazing.
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | September 05, 2011 at 01:57 PM
OK. That hornet's nest is seriously incredible. I sure hope you don't go too close. I agree with with your feelings about Fall. It's my favorite too. Have a wonderful week. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Posted by: Ann | September 05, 2011 at 06:10 PM
Awesome food and good company is the best!
My Blues
Posted by: Kim,USA | September 06, 2011 at 06:23 AM
HOLY MOLY that hornet nest is HUGE!!!
J'adore appetizers!!!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | September 06, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Looks like a great way to welcome in September, great food and great friends! Look at the size of those nests, HUGE!
Posted by: Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook | September 07, 2011 at 05:49 AM
Looks like you had the picture perfect Labor Day celebration.
Ok, thanks, now I'll go pack away my white shoes and look forward to Fall, my turtlenecks, warm slacks, and pumpkins galore.
Joys!
Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island
Posted by: [email protected] | September 07, 2011 at 07:45 AM
Oh yes, I am so looking forward to cooler (and drier) weather... :) Hope you made it through Irene OK, Susan! And all the rain yesterday, too. Although up here in the northern part of the state, I think we got more than you... Anyway, thanks for sharing at MM. :)
Posted by: mary | September 07, 2011 at 09:30 AM
Amazing nest!
Posted by: Twiggy | September 12, 2011 at 03:04 AM
your potted flowers are very pretty! food seems to taste more delicious when shared with family and friends.:p
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