thoughts of a fall season in 2021

[mellowtigger]

Confessing my unkempt yard yesterday finally prompted me to spend a little bit of time cleaning up the front yard today.  It's sad how bad it got.  Between the summer heat wave and my recent face/jaw problem, I just haven't felt motivated to get outdoors. 

Weather is still being indecisive in Minneapolis.  This time last week, the temp reached 32C/90F.  Then, I had mornings when I woke up at 8C/46F, needing blankets.  It's warm again today, and apparently that trend may continue.  I still haven't taken the air conditioner out of the bedroom window yet, just in case.  It gets so much hotter in that room than it does outdoors during warm temperature.

But... get outdoors I did.  Only about 1.5 hours, I think, but it's still a huge sign of mental progress for me.  After I cleared away some of the prairie plants that were settling in, I made a few important discoveries.

1. Bees!
2. The tomatillos are still blooming at this late date, and the bees are visiting them.  I'm glad to see the bees.  This "home prairie" is intended mostly for them, after all.  With food in the front yard as a bonus for the foraging humans.
3. Tomatoes!  Very ripe cherry tomatoes that I didn't know were fruiting, behind the other brush.  I cleared away the plants in front, so the food is visible again.  I've already eaten a few of them.  Almost tart, but otherwise good.
4. Squash.  Also appearing about ready to pick.  I should fry up some slices this week.

On Thursday, I think, I saw a guy without a shirt (the same day as on one of those 46F mornings) picking through a garbage can across the street.  I need to put up signs here, indicating where the free food is.  And be a LOT more vigilant about keeping the yard clear of brush, so the food is more obvious.