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I have decided to move to September from here as our posts were down due to Summer. Hoping you are all well!
Good Morning to the Front Porch and Welcome to JULY 2020 Goodbye JUNE 2020.
Hoping everyone has a great First Day OF JULY 2020.
Mornin’, All
Anyone watch the debacle…I mean debate last night? Can you say “train wreck?”
Was thinking of you, @LydiaN586309 when I woke in the middle of the night to heavy rain. I couldn’t get back to sleep until I heard the sweet sound of “HUMMMM….Purge” from the sump pump. Then I slept like a baby until about 8;00 when I woke to bright sun and a chilly breeze.
I may just go out and treat myself to my first Starbucks hot pumpkin drink of the season.
Hang in there, everyone!
Fall, fall, Autumn! Loving it!!!
Good morning, Peepers!
It is a beautiful morning here in Michigan. The sun is up and the sky is a lovely pale blue. We have a wonderful temperature of 74 degrees. The birds are clamoring out back. I assume they are in the midst of making plans for the winter while enjoying brunch.
Today, I have great intentions of tackling the continuing garage clean-out saga. I have made some good progress on my most recent efforts. And I already have in mind the designated area I want to get done today. So as my long gone mother used to say, "Little by little!"
I've already had my breakfast with coffee and all. I've showered and donned my work clothes. I've lazed on the couch, simultaneously watching the birds outside and several episodes of my favorite HGTV TV shows--"Love It of List It." It's now after Noon and not wanting the day to get away from me, I'm gonna get up and get outta here. The garage is calling me.
Y'all enjoy your day and the remainder of the weekend. Wishing each one here a whole heap of...
Lydia
Happy Sunday, All
@LydiaN586309 …Yes! I have a ton of Goldfinches eating the seeds of my coneflowers. They are such chatty little birds, I can always tell when they come for a snack.
Yesterday there was a bird calling so close to the house, but I didn’t recognize the call. Went to look out the front door and it was what looked like a sparrow, but a tad different than a regular house sparrow, sitting on the evergreen bush outside the front window. The cry almost sounded like it was alarmed. No other birds in sight. Reminded me of the time I heard a similar loud call and looked out back to see a row of sparrows at the edge of the pool…one had fallen in! I had to rescue it.
Friday I drove up to my friend’s house for lunch and to play with her puppy. I’m not used to driving that far so I slept super well that night.
Today started off a bit damp, but now the sun is straining to make an appearance. Temps are comfy with a hint of humidity. 79, feeling like 81. Two more summer-like days in the forecast and then it changes on Wednesday.
Y’all take good care of yourselves!
Morning, Peeps!
Isn't fall just beautiful? Quiet. Relaxing. Cool Days. Nature's slowing down--falling asleep...little by little. I'm enjoying this season more than ever probably because of the harshness of this past spring and summer what with so much inclement weather and having to deal with the pandemic and all. But now, I am finding myself slowing down and feeling more at peace. It's a sunny yet cool 53 degrees right now. We're only expecting a high of 63 which is fine with me. Variety of colors lovely!
@LaDolceVita, I'm glad you got your car back and hope you can eek out many more miles out of it. I, too, have an older car. Mine has over 200,000 miles on it now. But it is paid off. So I do my best to keep up with timely oil changes and regular maintenance. With retirement looming, I really don't want to take on any new big debt if I can help it.
@catwoman500, you to seem to enjoy our fine feathered friends. Sometimes their chatter sounds like an unruly rock concert with everyone chirping and cawing--striving to be heard over each other. But I love tending to them, the company of them, and am so excited when a new sighting sends me to the computer in search of it's identity. I had such sighting just yesterday, but after searching my computer, I have yet to be sure just what kind of bird it was. But it was lovely still.
Well, it's time for a hot cup of creamy, sugary coffee, a load or two of laundry, and then my afternoon nap. Ahhhhh, the rhythm of life!!!!
Take care Peepers and BE GOOD TO YOU!
Lyds
Morning, Porch Peeps.
Happy National Coffee Day! Have a cuppa Joe!
I bought this shirt last year so I’d be ready to celebrate “National Coffee Day 2020.”
Heater maintenance guys coming today. Hope I don’t have to use it for a while.
Hope everyone is doing well!
@LaDolceVita ... Yay for you getting your car back!
Time for more Joe!
Thanks for reminding us @catwoman500!
Here are some great coffee deals for coffee's special day:
Krispy Kreme: Free coffee and donut from Krispy Kreme on National Coffee Day for Krispy Kreme Rewards members – no purchase necessary. Guests who are not yet members can sign up through the Krispy Kreme app or on the Krispy Kreme site and get a free donut as a reward. All guests, rewards member or not, can enjoy free brewed coffee at Krispy Kreme on Sept. 29 at participating locations. No purchase necessary.
Pilot Flying J: Looking for a FREE cup of the “best coffee on the interstate?” On Sept. 29, in honor of National Coffee Day, grab a cup of any hot or cold Pilot coffee (any size!) for free, including the limited time Nicaraguan or Vanilla Cold Brew. Satisfy those pumpkin cravings by adding a little pumpkin pie creamer to your cup ’o joe. Find over 620 Pilot Flying J travel centers and convenience stores across the country.
Dunkin’: For one day only, on National Coffee Day, Dunkin’ will be offering a FREE medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase.
Tim Hortons: From Sept. 28 through Oct. 26, Tim Hortons’ U.S. guests can purchase any size hot or iced coffee for $0.99 through the Tim Hortons app or at timhortons.com. Modifications would be at an extra charge.
Walmart: Offering a variety of deals in honor of National Coffee Day, Sept. 29, Walmart is going strong with sales on Keurig Coffee Systems, Starbucks Coffee Pods, McCafe Coffee Pods, the Takeya 2-quart Cold Brew Coffee Maker, Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer, and more.
Lydia
Good morning to everyone on the Front Porch on this Monday morning in 2020. We are expecting temps in the lower 70's with a small chance of rain!.
Hoping everyone will have a restful day and weekend.
Because of back issues I was not able to do very little around the house an yard. I found myself highering many things done from snow removal, yard work to plumbing, installing a couple of ceiling fans. I was lucky to have our 3 daughter's and son-in-laws to help with planting 200 flowering bulbs a couple of years ago
Our biggest news is we close on the sale of the house on Wednesday and deposited a nice check in the bank.
I'm watching the ceremony for Justice Gindsburg at the National Capital and waiting for a housekeeper to clean our unit which is included in our monthly fee. This is one of the things Mary never had at the house.
We will be in the upper 70's with a chance of rain Sunday.
Congrats, Dave, on the sale of your house! And...
...may you and the Missus have many enjoyable years in your new abode.
Lyds
Happy Fall, All!
It’s been pretty darn chilly these past few mornings. I’ve come close to turning on the heat, but usually wait for the yearly maintenance check which is scheduled for next week. Lots of shivering going on here. LOL Feels like temps were in the high 30’s Saturday AM!
Is anyone else having to log in to AARP each time recently? This is annoying.
@Frozenoem ... Got an email yesterday that my ballot was being prepared and will be here soon. YAY!
@MsStretch , @LaDolceVita …got my first shingles shot earlier this summer and am able to get the next one after 9/29. Asked if I needed and appointment for that second one, and the pharmacist said, “No, the second one is now in our refrigerator with your name on it.” I feel so special. LOL. I also need my flu shot which I will get at the doc next month, and need one of those 3-in-1 boosters for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, but the pharmacist said it was not a good idea to get another shot with the shingles shot. I wasn’t sick, but that night, my arm got red and sore. It lasted a week…just sayin’.
Hairdresser again tomorrow. Wahoo!
You all enjoy the first day of Fall!
Greetings, Porchlanders!
I see there’s a lotta talk on the Porch about shingles and flu and shingles shots. Well, I had the shingles several years ago and though I hope never to get them again, I won’t be taking the vaccine for it or the flu. Got terribly ill from the first and last flu shot I got a few years ago. So I’ll be stepping up on my vitamins, minerals, rest, proper diet, and good hygiene practices.
Over the past week, my adventures in home ownership continued as I spent about half a day replacing the inner workings of my lone toilet. I noticed I wasn’t getting enough water in the bowl to provide a complete flush. Upon inspection of the inside of upper tank, the flush valve literally broke off in my hand. Also, I found the fill value that lets the water into the tank was defective as well. So I set about to replace all of the inner parts.
After watching a couple of YouTube videos on the subject, I ventured to the Home Depot and got a bunch of parts (more than I needed really, but just to be on the safe side). I turned off the water to the house and flushed the toilet to remove as much water from the tank as I could and toweled up the remainder. Next, I disconnected the water supply line from the tank (that's the line that brings the water from the house into the tank itself). Then I had to remove the tank (the upper part) from the bowl (where one sits). There were three bolts holding the two parts together. All were very rusty, but with the help of WD-40, I managed to loosed and remove two of them. But as one might expect, the third bolt and nut were fused together and wouldn’t budge. So I got my trusty reciprocating saw and attached a saw blade for metal and took to cuttin’. In short order, the bolt gave way and I was able to detach the tank from the bowl.
Once separated, I was able to work to remove the fill value, flush value, the ballcock, the flapper, and the gasket (which I had to saw off because my wrench wasn't big enough to get around it to loosen it. But once all the parts were out, I decided to clean out the inside of the tank (removing as much corrosion and stain as possible). Then while reading the accompanying instructions, I was able to piece by piece install all of the new parts; even upgrading the system by eliminating the old ballcock entirely. No more "running" toilet or need to readjust that arm or ball.
So after everything was reassembled and the last bolt was tightened, I turned the water back on and eagerly waited for the tank to refill for it's first test. (Of course, by now I needed to use the toilet myself!) But after checking for leaks, I flushed. Eureka! No leaks! In fact, it worked beautifully and was wonderfully quiet. And the best part of it all, I saved hundreds of dollars doing the job myself and that was the next best thing about the whole adventure; the best thing being finally able to shut the bathroom door and make use of my handiwork. Smile.
Greetings, Porch Peepers!
It is FINALLY Friday and I am soooooooooooooooooooooooo happy! It's been a longer week than some others. If you know what I mean. The days dragged by like slowly poured thick molasses. But at least we have now arrived and I can say, "T.G.I.F.!"
The weather is changing now. Fall is here! The leaves are beginning to change color--reds, golds, orange, and most yet still green. We are having lower temps which is perfectly alright with me. But during the day, the sun keeps things pretty comfortable. And at night, I find myself wearing my light jacket. This is fall and I'm glad to be in it.
This week my birdfeeders attracted a couple of new visitors; two little yellow birds with black markings at the wing. Turns out these were two American Goldfinches. I looked "em up.
These were new and I was very excited to find them in my yard--feeding and making use of the birdbaths. Seems every time I change up my feed, I get different birds not seen before. Bird watching has become a comforting and relaxing past time for me.
@Frozenoem, I agree with you that You Tube is a great source for information on many subjects and I have made it my "go-to" resource when doing home and car repairs. It's a good place to pick up tasty recipes as well. As for tackling the toilet fix, my concern never was "if" I could do the job. My concern was could I get it disassembled, new parts installed, and the toilet reassembled before I had a desperate need to use it! Smile. Thank goodness it all turned out okay.
@catwoman500, I really liked you Charlie Brown animation in your last post. The kitty was nice too.
Stay well and safe, everybody! Masks on. And remember to practice social distancing even when taking a stroll with friends. 😋
Lyds
Good morning to everyone on the Front Porch on this Monday morning in 2020. We are expecting temps in the lower 70's with a small chance of rain!.
Hoping everyone has a restful day.
The first day of fall 2020 is nearly here.
The arrival of autumn means cooler, shorter days, the annual explosion of color from fall foliage, and the inevitable clock change that comes with the end of daylight saving time.
Fall 2020 in the northern hemisphere begins on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, with the autumnal equinox.
AUTUMNAL EQUINOX 2020: THE FIRST DAY OF FALL
FACTS & FOLKLORE ABOUT THE FALL EQUINOX
September 18, 2020
In 2020, the autumnal equinox—also called the September equinox or fall equinox—arrives on Tuesday, September 22. Fall begins in the Northern Hemisphere and spring begins in the Southern Hemisphere. Read about the signs of fall and the ways we mark the approaching equinox.
WHEN IS THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX?Autumn has caught us in our summer wear.
–Philip Larkin, British poet (1922–86)
The fall equinox arrives on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at 9:31 A.M.EDT. The equinox occurs at the same moment worldwide.
AUTUMNAL EQUINOX DATES AND TIMESYear Autumnal Equinox (Northern Hemisphere)2020202120222023| Tuesday, September 22 |
| Wednesday, September 22 |
| Thursday, September 22 |
| Friday, September 22 |
Autumn days come quickly, like the running of a hound on the moor.
–Irish proverb
The autumnal equinox—also called the September or fall equinox—is the astronomical start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere and of the spring season in the Southern Hemisphere.
WHAT IS AN EQUINOX?The word “equinox” comes from Latin aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, “night.” On the equinox, day and night are roughly equal in length. (See more about this below.)
During the equinox, the Sun crosses what we call the “celestial equator”—an imaginary extension of Earth’s equator line into space. The equinox occurs precisely when the Sun’s center passes through this line. When the Sun crosses the equator from north to south, this marks the autumnal equinox; when it crosses from south to north, this marks the vernal equinox.
After the autumnal equinox, the Sun begins to rise later and nightfall comes sooner. This ends with the December solstice, when days start to grow longer and nights shorter
FALL WEATHERIt is the summer’s great last heat,
It is the fall’s first chill: They meet.
–Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt
Another definition of fall is “nights of below-freezing temperatures combined with days of temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21°C)”. From here on out, the temperatures begin to drop.
Fall Foliage
Note that fall foliage isn’t due to current weather conditions. This is a common misconception. Leaves change color because of the amount of daylight and photosynthesis. Learn more about autumn leaves.
A: Some say that during an equinox, day and night is equal. Well, not exactly. It depends on where you live.
On the equinox, the center of the Sun is indeed above the horizon for 12 hours. However, “sunrise” is said to begin when the upper edge of the Sun’s disk becomes visible above the horizon (which happens a bit before the center rises) and ends when the entire Sun has set. In this case, daylight is still a bit longer than nighttime.
Not only that, but the Sun is actually visible when it is below the horizon, as Earth’s atmosphere refracts the Sun’s rays and bends them in an arc over the horizon. Yes, you can see the Sun before the edgeactually reaches the horizon! This causes daylight to be longer than 12 hours as well.
However, they are very close to equal (the total lengths may differ by only a few minutes).
Did you know our rise/set tool now provides day length? In Dublin, New Hampshire, USA—home of The Old Farmer’s Almanac—our day length on the equinox is 12:08 hours.
See our Sunrise/set calculator for day length in YOUR area.
Q: IS THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX REALLY THE FIRST DAY OF FALL?A: Based on the astronomical definition of seasons, yes, the autumnal equinox does mark the first day of fall (in the Northern Hemisphere). However, according to the meteorological definition of seasons, which is based on temperature cycles and the Gregorian calendar, the first day of fall is September 1.
Q: CAN YOU BALANCE AN EGG ON THE EQUINOX?A: There’s an old-wife’s tale that you can stand an egg on its end of the equinox. Well, yes, it’s true (and fun to try). But it’s not only on the equinox. See more about equinox facts from Almanac astronomer, Bob Berman.
What are your local signs of fall? In many regions of the Northern Hemisphere, the landscape silently explodes with vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange. The leaves begin to drop off the trees, providing endless hours of jumping into leaf piles for kids and raking them back up for parents!
Trees snapping and cracking in the autumn indicate dry weather.
Fall also brings some wonderful holidays, including Halloween and Thanksgiving, which carry us through the season until temperatures begin to drop, nights begin to get longer, and all the woodland critters start storing up for the long haul of winter.
And don’t forget about the end of Daylight Saving Time, when we “fall” back, setting our clocks back one hour and regaining an hour of precious sleep!
Plants and trees are slowing down, as sunlight decreases, to get ready for the colder season ahead. In the garden, asters and chrysanthemums bloom beautifully as orange pumpkins and cornmazes abound.
Football season is warming up and so is sweater weather.
Also notice the arc of the Sun across the sky each day as it starts shifting south. Birds and butterflies migrate along with the path of our Sun!
Of course, you can you can easily notice the later dawns and earlier sunsets. See our sunrise/set tool for your area!
The fall equinox has been a day of celebration for cultures since ancient days. People tracked the transitions of the Earth’s journeys around the Sun.
- At Machu Picchu in Peru, an ancient stone monument called Intihuatana—which means “Hitching Post of the Sun”—serves as a solar clock to mark the dates of the equinoxes and solstices.
- In Mexico, the Mayans built a giant pyramid called Chichen Itza. On the equinoxes, it looks as if a snake made of light slithers down the pyramid’s steps.
- In England, Stonehenge was also built with the equinoxes and solstices in mind.
See Five Ancient Sites Aligned With the Equinoxes and Solstices.
ENJOY AUTUMN!Wishing a colorful, cool, cozy autumn to all our Almanac readers. Tell us your favorite things about the fall season below!
To learn more about all four seasons and see when they begin, see First Day of Seasons.
Good morning to everyone on the Front Porch on this Thursday morning in 2020. We are expecting temps in the mid 60's with little chance of rain in the near future.
We have finally had someone come in to hang pictures in our apartment.
We have heard from my sister Diane and our niece Amy that the fires were 30 miles West of them. They live in Brookings, Oregon on the Pacific Coast. Photos show fire in the distance and road signs on roads running West of Brookings.
Link: https://www.brookings.or.us/298/Wildland-Fire-Information
Friday afternoon all 63 sunny .where’s @PattyDiane ?
Early voting in VA is 2 football fields long with masks and social distancing and lack of trust in Post office delivering the ballots in time.
Suddenly happy in 750 population Maine at least my town. Just need to stay alive and upright.
Didn’t get deep freeze last night👍, hopefully a few more weeks of temperate temps, need to ReEpoxy a 9x7’ garage door, needs 24 hours above 50*. Took longer than expected to make a 9 foot long clamp🤣.
Still walking upright, almost getting used to new pills, no longer just mature I guess, sorry @MsStretch I might be old.
Need to pack a nap sack and deliver two more friends to final resting spots, that means I do know R’s and used to count them as friends and one as a partner in biz. Only 5 miles each way, moderate hike, on an almost road in.Gated of course.
@N566192l are any of these your funky seed pods.
Froze
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