Don't you love Autumn? There is a certain urgency in the air to squeeze every remaining moment of pleasure from nature, whether just observing it or, if we're able, going outdoors before the mild days leave us. The days are getting noticeably shorter. Many plants have already quit growing or flowering, are starting to lose their leaves, and preparing to go dormant. In the case of annuals, they give their all to make beautiful flowers one last time for the end of the growing season means the end of their lives. Some of our local critters go underground (like our tortoises) or migrate to warmer climates.

Speaking of migration. I've never recommended a movie before but I must urge that you see Winged Migrations (AMC Theatre at Southroads). An incredible French documentary, five years in the making, some 300 photographers involved - and that's just the folks holding cameras. There were also hot air balloons, remote control model planes, gliders, and every other kind of device to get up in the air close to the flocks of birds.

I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't have a bird or two with cameras mounted on their backs. Okay, I would be surprised, but that is how close you feel. We follow all kinds of birds in every continent over a full year of migration. Virtually no spoken words, just the call of the birds and beautiful background music.

On September 13th there was a Tree Dedication Ceremony of the three red bud trees and two dogwood trees by the front entrance. The family of the late Grace Cousins, a former member of the Memory Center, had them planted to honor her memory.

There is a new Auxiliary committee, Landscape Enrichment, made up of residents, staff, family members, and auxiliary members. Jack Ward (his wife Barbara lives here) leads it and Ruth and Gene Anderson and Father Boyce are members along with Gail Eby (Jean Coburn's daughter), Linda Furman (Violet Cox's daughter), Dana Forrest (our visiting horticulturist), Kathy Hinkle and Akilah Rezzaq (employee in the Memory Center). Bill Martin, a resident who

recently died, was an active and founding member. Also meeting with the committee from Administration are Rick Rhine and Kell Grier.

Just in existence for two months we have already conducted several Saturday workdays along with the Maintenance Department to care for what we have here, spruce up for Western Days, and make some improvements.

Ruth and Gene Anderson have concentrated on beds in and around the Cottages and Assisted Living and Jack Ward and Father Boyce worked on the beds around Administration. We have been joined by family member Richard Stanfield (Faye Stanfield's son) and Carla Stokesberry, our Director of Nursing. Other residents like Ruth Fishburn spruced up their own areas - hers is the cottage that had all the Naked Ladies (Amaryllis Belladonna's) lined up this year.

Carl Young spotted us working on his way out for a drive with his mom, Aline Young, and brought back some Ghirardelli Chocolates to give us energy. Ah, chocolate.

Improvements include the new bed of Oakleaf Hydrangeas in the first circle drive. They will provide color and interest from their spectacular spring blooms to their autumn foliage. Some Hydrangeas' bloom color depends on the acidity of the soil so if we want to change the color from one year to the next, we may be able to. This first Spring we will see what Mother Nature chooses.

Also, new pots have been bought and placed at various entrances to the home. They are currently filled with Golden Allison Mums. The hope is that these pots can be seasonally planted to provide a spot of color almost year around. Maybe pansies next?

Ruth Staudt has a new title of “Bulb Lady”. She has ordered for herself and others a beautiful self-contained, guaranteed for any location, foolproof bulb collection to plant for blooming next Spring. She has also gotten others interested as she circulated her Dutch Garden Catalog. B-Hall patios should be beautiful. St. Simeon's hopes to follow her example and also plant some bulbs in various locations around the home.