Summer has fled

Yes I know some may still be experiencing hot weather. And the calendar doesn't officially turn to fall until September 23 at about 5:05 PM (in the northern hemisphere). But it's here in River City already, I tell you. There is that distinctive hint of coolness within and behind the warmth of the sun. The air has that autumnal cooling and the sunshine has the particular golden quality which signals the end of the summer.

Autumn sunlight is like no other. Firstly, the sky appears slightly hazed even on the brightest day. Unless you are looking directly at the zenith, the sky appears to have a faint pall of smoke or haze drawn across the deep blue. The sunlight is filtered through this haze. The haze could be a general casting over the whole of North America or it could be local: the haze of the many wildfires across our continent every summer, or someone burning garbage a few blocks away. The heated inversion holding the smog closer to the ground. Whatever the cause, the haze is there.

And then the light itself. The sunshine has a weakness despite a glaring golden brightness. It seems all the brighter perhaps for some trick that it is shining through the atmosphere at a different angle than it has for the last 3 months. But you can feel that it lacks the punch of intensity it had in July and August although the temp may still be high. You can stand out in the light longer, and the sun seems more goldeny bright than before but the brightness is all optical not radiant. I love this light. The sunsets are all the more tinged with pinks and blues for the gold in the daytime sun. It promises crisp cold days soon to come.

My summer flew by, despite being rather lazy. I got to go swimming a few times, thank you Tina. I got to visit the grandkids a few times. I knitted myself a dress. I read a few books.
Now I am rushing to get going with my Christmas knitting. I have started with easy things. I have discovered in the last week that I love the look of linen or tweed stitch but oh boy, I do not like to do it. Trouble is I have a half completed very densely knit linen-stitch placemat. I dont think I can bear to finish- it's killing my right hand and its yarnivorous like no other. I will finish and it can become a lone plant doily or something.
One string bag is also nearly completed. Mesh stitch, I do love you!

Meantime I am planning out the other hand knit gifts for my little family and friends. For the first time in years I am actually looking forward to fall and winter. Many fellow crafters know. These seasons are the best time for knitting cuddly stuff to give to friends, family and strangers. Keep yourself warm with the afghan you are crocheting or knitting. Create and fulfill your destiny as you select the design, the yarn, the colors, for some work of art that will be given to one you love. It is the ulitmate in creativity.