or, more aptly titled, ‘Walking With Willy’.  
Most mornings, we’re out the door before 7:30. Willy races out to find whomever was walking on his deck during the night and I focus on keeping my second cup of coffee from spilling, as I follow him doing whatever he needs to do.  After the initial house inspection, we take off.  Walking with cats affords plenty of time to look around. Generally it is a slow business.  Lots of stopping and staring off into the weeds or woods.  If it hadn’t been for one of these 15 minute stops, I might have missed this cocoon that was hanging, quite literally, right before my eyes.  It is very well camouflaged. Just a mass of dead leaves.  At first, I thought the branch had broken and reached up to break it off.  As my hand closed around it, I felt a purposed shape and knew at once that it was a treasure.  I’ve found such things before, but always on the ground.  Could it be a Polyphemus Moth? Or Luna?  I’ll wait until the frost comes, them put in a safer spot, away from the edge of the driveway where the tractor or fuel truck will beat it with each passing this winter.

Slowly, I’m breaking out my scarves and sweaters.  I can’t remember another year where we haven’t had frost by October.  The leaves are nearing peak, proof that the shorter days make the difference.  It’s gorgeous, even with the weeks of unending mist and rain.  I read weather reports of sunny days to the south and wish that it could blow a brighter day up north before we are buried in the inches of soft moss that’s accumulating underfoot.  

The warm weather has given me reason to procrastinate where the gardens are concerned.  They should be put to bed. I’ve begun. Slowly.