When the fireweed turns to cotton...

…summer will soon be forgotten. It’s a well-known saying in Southeast Alaska and for good reason, because even if it still feels like summer in lot of places in the U.S., it’s definitely autumn-like at home...

In the last few weeks we’ve seen distinct changes around here as the temperatures drop enough to prompt the trees and plants to change colors and begin to shed their leaves. Other flora, like the fireweed, have gone to seed. And it won’t be long before we’re harvesting our tiny crop of snap peas and potted carrots from the front porch.

For me, the change has probably seemed most pronounced because we’ve recently returned from a travel whirlwind where in a mere week we whisked from East Coast to West and back again, and spending time in four states, plus Alaska. It wasn’t completely for pleasure because we actually had to do some important things related to our upcoming nuptials (only two months away now!!!).

We’re not the only ones who know winter’s coming. This morning the crows arrived, at least 30 thick, to compete over a few slices of stale bread I tossed out. Another day, this crow showed up on the rocks outside our window with someone else’s bread.

And a few nights ago, Scotty encountered a bear getting friendly with our mostly empty trash can at the top of the driveway. (They get excited about anything, even yummy-smelling wrappers.) He chased it away, but of course it came back and knocked over the “bear-resistant” can, spilling what was inside. I guess I’d be hoarding too if I knew I was going to sleep all winter...

It feels good to be home, but also nice to have left town and done some things we needed to do, both fun and necessary. Fall is definitely my favorite season in Juneau, not least of which is because I get to spend time with my fiancé again as the summer tourism season begins to wind down.

Right now, I’m feeling especially thankful that we both have good jobs that allow us the wonderful balance of being able to spend time together and explore personal interests. It's a wonderful thing to be be truly excited, not only for what lies ahead, but for today. This recent trip wasn’t cheap, but it was something both of us really needed, the kind of trip that lets a person sleep and breathe; it was a chance for us to laugh and talk and share meals together again. My soul feels a bit lighter because of it.

More travel stories are on the way!