Where Did Summer Go?

Hummingbirds at the feeder

No doubt, the hungry hummers are asking this question as they drink our four feeders dry several times a day! I am looking out the window as I write, and a cool rain is falling, with predictions for more this week. Temps have been in the 60's at night now for almost two weeks. Growing up in the south (and I don't consider the Ozarks south!) I have never been a fan of long, hot, humid summer days that linger well into what should be the fall season. But, here we are mid-August with what seems like the end of summer. I'll take it!

There is a maple tree down the road that always gets in a hurry for autumn. Every year its leaves turn brilliant yellow weeks before the other trees have even thought about fall color. We watch for it every year and think of it as a promise that no matter how hot the August days, autumn is right around the corner. The tree is a mass of yellow and gold--this week! Is that a sign of an early fall and winter?

The NEWTON COUNTY TIMES published a picture of a hornets' nest only a foot or so off the ground. Old-timers claim that is a sign of a long, cold winter! Maybe, but the same week our neighbor found a hornet's nest in his last year's deer stand--rather high up in the tree! I haven't seen many woolly worms yet. I think the saying is the more stripes the colder the winter or the less stripes the colder the winter, or something like that.

The rains and cooler weather have breathed new life in the flower garden. The cool breezes inspired me to get out there and pull a few weeds. And, of course, move a few rocks. My rock patio is a never ending project since the rocks on our mountain are never ending. I am limited only by the size of the rocks I can move from one place to another. And, now with Jack's new tractor, the size has increased immensely!

A friend gave me a few Koi to put in my little pond by the patio. They are reproducing in her natural spring pond so fast she has to give them away! I went to the pet store to get the esssentials necessary for caring for them. Believe me, they aren't "free" fish any longer! We are trying to decide what to do with them over the winter. Looks like they may be a "school of fish" in more than one way. Jack will move them to the large aquarium he inherited when he began teaching science at Jasper High School.

Well, the hummers are flying around the window again. A sure sign that the feeders are empty. They show no sign of heading south, so I guess fall isn't really upon us yet. But I will enjoy these wonderful days no matter what the calendar shows!

Sing a song of seasons!

Something bright in all!

Flowers in the summer,

Fires in the fall.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Is It Fall Yet?

McFerrin Point Near Compton in early fall

If you aren't up here in the mountains now, you ought'a be! After some hot days in July, it seems we have skipped the rest of August and jumped right into the wonderful early fall weather of September. I don't hear any complaints! With temps in the 60's at night and 80's daytime I can't think of any place I had rather be. Our cabin guests from Texas say the same thing!

Jack started school this week--always a mix of not wanting summer to be over, yet anticipating the excitement of a new school year. I remember those days of anxious little faces starring at me from the back of the classroom. I'm not sure who was more intimidated--the teacher or 30 brand new first graders!

Summer guests have been lots of fun. We've had a honeymoon couple--one comes from Alaska and the other Hawaii; a group of college friends from Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Texas; another group of friends who were saying goodbye to one going to Iraq for a tour of duty; families from all over-- California to Tennessee, Louisana to Minnesota, and even France! There was the family with five little boys who jumped in Deer Pond to cool off. And the lady who sat under the stars until midnight only to find out she had locked herself out of the cabin! She had to walk up the hill, barefoot, in pj's, to ask us for a key (thank goodness, we keep flashlights in the cabin for emergencies!) One couple from Mississippi loved the area so much they bought a cabin just down the road from us! It just proves our saying--"You'll want to stay forever!" We are looking forward to more guests as we continue to book for the fall and winter. Fall days in the cabins are filling fast! Call us soon!.

Elk are gathering in the valley. One guest reported seeing a "good size bull" and, with the cooler weather , we expect to get reports of bulls bugling soon. What an awesome sound and sight! It will bring shivers of excitement to be out there in the early morning-- mist rising out of the valley, sun peaking over the mountains, the shrill call of a bull elk echoing across the fields and bouncing off the river bluffs. It will also bring chills to the bone, so bring a jacket! A thermos of coffee hits the spot also!

If you can't join us on the mountain, join us on the web. We have a new newsletter--comes out just once a month--with pictures, news, stories(mostly true!), happenings, and even a coupon for cabin specials. Visit our website http://www.mountainspringscabins.com/ and sign up. In the meantime---Happy Fall!!

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of Heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Welcome Folks!

Eagle's Rest Cabin Welcome Bear at Mountain Springs Cabins

I always say we have the nicest and most interesting people visit our cabins. They come as our guests and leave as our friends.

This poem was written by Kenny Hill after he and his wife stayed at Eagle's Rest Cabin. I will always treasure it.

EAGLE'S REST

A little cabin on the side of a mountain

Watching over the valley below

Covered porches with rocking chairs

And a little bear that we loved so.

There is no way you can really explain it...

The feeling you get just from being here.

You can almost reach out and touch the clouds.

You smile, knowing God is so near.

The awesome beauty of the Buffalo River,

Mountain springs that never run dry,

Wildlife seems to be everywhere!

Amazed, you can only sigh!

It is a place where I'll never forget.

Pictures in our hearts will not soon fade away.

The warmth and hospitality offered to us

Makes us long to come back again some day.

But, if we never travel this way again,

We're certain we've been at the best.

A place where God is welcomed and lives are touched.

A place where the eagles rest.

Kenny Hill

Because of email address changes, job transitions, new computers etc., we have lost touch with Kenny and his wife. He has sent more guests our way, as well more of his poems, and we thank him. Kenny, if you are out there--We are still on the mountain and the little welcome bear is ready and waiting for your return.