Summer days are on their way out, and fall is approaching quickly here in the Northwest. This picture was taken when our daughter and her family were visiting this summer. I so wanted summer to last at least another, well 3 or 4 months! But back to reality; I need to get out in the garden and prepare it for next years' planting. Out with the old (crops) and in with the new....when Spring decides to peek its' head out in a few months. My work load has increased and will continue to do so for the next couple of months. That isn't all bad; it keeps me from scowling under these gloomy skies. So I always try to find lessons in life. Even in this I can see that it is similar to the dry, seemingly unproductive seasons in our lives that God is still yet at work in us. Change is certain for all of us, and as we 'go with the flow,' we can indeed look forward to emerging, in a new season, a brighter butterfly. These kinds of seasons are just as necessary as watering the seeds in the springtime. Without each distinctive season, the richness and beauty wouldn't be nearly as bountiful. Each growth period produces a richer you and me, more useful and beautiful for the gardner and, the surrounding landscape which we are all a part of. This gives me reason to look beyond these gray days, and forward (with a little patience) to another new season. Happy growing!