Written on August 11, 2024
Hello Dear Readers,
As August gradually fades, I can’t help but notice the subtle signs that the year is nearing its end. Each morning feels a bit colder, hinting at autumn’s slow but certain approach. While the season of vibrant leaves and crisp air isn’t entirely upon us yet, the shift in temperature is enough to make my skin tingle with sensitivity. As I prepared to mow the lawn this morning, I instinctively reached for an old hoodie, needing that extra layer of warmth until my body adjusted to the cooler air. It took nearly an hour of physical activity before I finally felt warmed up, a clear reminder that the seasons are changing.
The arrival of cooler weather is a much-needed respite after the sweltering heat waves we endured in July and August. During those months, the temperature frequently soared above 90°F, and the oppressive humidity made it feel even hotter. Our household prefers to keep the indoor climate as natural as possible, avoiding air conditioning whenever possible. Even when the temperature climbs above 80°F, it doesn’t feel as stifling inside. Despite this, I doubt I’ll ever fully acclimate to Nashville’s notoriously humid summers, where the mercury can easily rise past 100°F.
Now that my body has adapted to the intense summer heat, I find it refreshing to ease into the cooler weather. It feels like we’re being kinder to our autonomic nervous systems, which have been working overtime to keep us cool. The lawn, which we keep trimmed short, has also responded to the change in weather. The lack of recent rainfall has slowed its growth considerably, and the cooler temperatures in the past few days have made it increasingly difficult to distinguish where I’ve mowed and where I haven’t. The grass is growing so slowly now that it’s easy to miss a spot or two.
Looking ahead, my wife has already started planning for the next season. She mentioned fertilizing the lawn for the coming year, a task she intends to tackle in October or November, just a few weeks before the first frost. This forward-thinking is crucial, as we’ll soon be dealing with the annual onslaught of leaves from the two large trees—one in our front yard and another from the neighbor’s—that will soon blanket the lawn.
Since taking on the responsibility of our yard work, I’ve become more attuned to the rhythm of the seasons. Our outdoor chores change with the times: from March to October, it’s all about mowing and maintaining the lawn. As autumn sets in, our focus shifts to managing the fallen leaves and preparing the yard for the year ahead. Winter offers a brief reprieve, with far less work to be done, though my wife has plenty of maintenance projects lined up to keep us busy. Despite the hustle and bustle ahead, I eagerly anticipate the end of the mowing season, ready to embrace the quieter, cooler months.