The seasons are definitely changing behind the puddle, although September seems to be announcing itself quietly rather than all at once. The water has pulled back enough that our little lake is beginning to look much more deserving of its nickname, and vegetation that once stopped at the shoreline is now growing well beyond where the water used to be. From the patio, it looks different even when nothing appears to be happening.
The bird feeders are telling the story too. In July and August, it seemed as though I could fill them and turn around to discover everyone had already eaten. Now the seed lasts longer, and the steady parade of visitors has become smaller and less frequent.
Some of the neighbors who became part of our everyday summer routine are simply not here as often. There are fewer moments that send me reaching immediately for the camera, fewer unexpected arrivals at the water, and longer stretches when the puddle seems almost still. I suppose that is what seasons do. They change the rhythm before we are quite ready to admit that the rhythm has changed.
Pumpkin, however, appears to have no complaints.
With fewer large birds gathering beneath the feeders, our little chipmunk has discovered what may be the best season yet for collecting whatever has been scattered below. He has been making his trips through the grass, stopping beneath the tree and gathering what everyone else left behind. Apparently one neighbor’s quieter season is another neighbor’s opportunity.
I think that may be one of the things I am learning from watching this place. Change does not always mean that something has ended. Sometimes it simply means there is a little more room for someone else.
The puddle is smaller. The visitors are fewer. The feeders are staying full a little longer.
And Pumpkin seems to think things are going just fine.
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