Most days, it’s still mild during daylight hours, although recently, in the night air, I feel the merest hint of what is in store for us. Today is the first day of October. We have entered the last quarter of 2026.

There is no question about it.  Summer here has ended.

In a few weeks we’ll set back the clocks. Then, suddenly, it will be nighttime before 5 p.m.  More than anything else, it is the early onset of darkness, not the gradually falling temperatures, that signals Winter’s imminent arrival.

In fact, looking out my window onto the yard, I notice that the tree canopy is still lush and full of green leaves. But I  know that before October ends, long rainy days and cold, gusty winds will bring them crashing. Already the squirrels scurry about, attending to their business with heightened purpose.  It is part of Nature’s early warning system to “get movin pal, times-a-wastin’.”

Now, with the warm, lazy days of summer, mostly a fond memory, October imposes a hard mindset. Procrastinate today, pay the price tomorrow!

Indeed, it’s a busy time for me. With garden tools, flowerpots, large ceramic planters, myriad lawn ornaments, and dozens of feet of hoses with attachments strewn about haphazardly, and a growing mental checklist of small repairs and other must-dos, both outside and inside, I sigh with the realization of the time it is going to take me to complete these many seasonal chores. While I like to think of myself as being organized, the truth is, preparing the house and property is more of a helter-skelter affair. As always, my modest goal is to beat the first snowfall.

But looking around, I see today is a beautiful early fall day. Sunny. Mild.  I’m getting ready to head outside for a few games of pickleball. Good news. The excellent weather is predicted to hold for the rest of the work week. I know it can’t last much longer. Still, I suppose there is no harm in setting aside my list of chores for just a few more days.