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Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

Summer’s Last Stand

Dan Antion
1 minute

We are fast approaching Labor Day in the US. That marks the end of summer in many ways. Students return to the classroom. School buses return to the highways. We go back to only being able to wear jeans on Fridays, and maybe I’ll start writing something on Mondays. For now, let’s stick with some pictures.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

My favorite bridge. The stone arch bridge over the Farmington River in Windsor, CT. The river is very low.
I was ready to leave, when I heard AMTRAK heading south.
The tracks turn into Windsor’s train station after crossing the river.
The heron is coming in for a landing.
“You’re getting to be a big girl.”
“Hang on mom, there’s some bugs here.”
The ducks are getting out, the heron is heading in. Breakfast time at the river.
Everyone is scanning the river for food this morning.
Heron basking in the reflected sunlight.
Peter Nena has many more interests than power lines, but I always think of him when I see these.
I love seeing these guys in the morning.
This patch almost makes it worth coming to work. Almost.
We’ve switched to using Maddie’s cot on her deck, She settles in for a quieter nap.
“I guess it’s time to get up.”

88 responses to “Summer’s Last Stand”

  1. Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    Remind us – when’s your official ‘exit’ day as you move into retirement with the rest of us? I’m guessing Maddie will be inside today with the humidity at swamp level.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I will join your ranks at the end of October. Maddie still likes to cross things off her daily check list, but she gets significant push-back on hot and humid days.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
  2. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Beautiful photos, Dan. You’ve really captured the end of summer! I particularly loved the photo of Amtrak crossing the arch bridge. Old and new! All the best to you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Gwen. That bridge is over 150 years old (I went to its birthday party a couple of years ago) but it handles today’s trains without so much as a whimper.

      Like

      Reply
  3. bikerchick57 Avatar
    bikerchick57

    I love the black-eyed susans, Dan…one of my favorites.

    I’m holding onto the last of summer as tightly as possible, but also hoping for a beautiful fall with red leaves and warmish temps. Happy Monday, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Mary. Fall is my favorite season, even though I know what it leads to. It’s just the best time of year. I’m a little worried about the fall colors, given the heat and dry conditions we had this year. I do like that bed of black-eyed susans – that’s right in front of our building.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. quiall Avatar
    quiall

    Say it isn’t so! Then we need to get a lot of ‘summer’ in our last two weeks. Sigh. This happens every year! hee hee hee I love stone bridges, they make me think of Trolls.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’ve been under that bridge in a canoe, Pam – no trolls. I do love that bridge. I think we have a lot of summer left, it’s just the summer things that are coming to an end.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    They’ve already started school here and at #1 Grandson’s school a week ago! Summer is shorter for kids, or it feels that way.

    I love those sunrises and the power poles, the tower, and your coneflowers. Maddie sure looks comfy there on her cot and not bothered by the heat and humidity.

    I love fall, but am not in a hurry to have it come in. I love long hours of daylight.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Deborah. The fact that I’m seeing that sunrise behind those power poles means that the days are getting shorter. It’s a side benefit, but a reliable message :(

      A lot of districts started school this week. It seems too early for me. Kids should be able to enjoy summer, but I guess times have changed on that, too.

      Like

      Reply
  6. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    Lovely photos… My husband grew up in Western Conn. it’s a beautiful state.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks! I’m glad you like these.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Ally Bean Avatar
    Ally Bean

    Your photos make me slightly wistful. The end of summer already? Say this is not so.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think we have a lot of summer left, Ally, but the summery things we all enjoy are winding down. I guess it happens every year, but it seems to be happening earlier, at least the school buses.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. loisajay Avatar
    loisajay

    Bring on Fall–I am so ready. Beautiful photos, Dan. I love the morning sun reflections with the birds. Have a great week!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Lois. I’m ready for cooler temps. But I’m still enjoying the daylight.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. John Hric Avatar
    John Hric

    A very nice collection of images Dan. Nice start to the week, even if I should be saying “What day is today ?”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks John. It’s Monday (just in case).

      Like

      Reply
      1. John Hric Avatar
        John Hric

        Strangely enough this week I do know what day it is. Last week – well a little bit of everything was out of kilter… just wait.

        Like

        Reply
  10. Murphy's Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    Love that stone arch bridge! All the shots with the heron and the ducks and reflections from the sun are stunning. I have always loved Black-eyed Susans !

    Maddie looks so comfy on her cot, secure in the knowledge that she rates her own personal deck!! In fact, when it’s complete, you should hang a sign,
    “🐾 Maddie’s Deck 🐾”. Just sayin’!!

    Poor MiMi, she doesn’t realize that those dark days of winter are swiftly approaching when she’ll want to sleep more but won’t be able to because dad will be home full time with that darn camera!! 😜😜
    🐾Ginger 🐾

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Ginger. I love that stone arch bridge. And, since the best place to park to see it is the hot dog stand that I like, it’s an easy stop to make.

      We used the cot one day when the deck was still soaked from an overnight thunderstorm. Maddie loves it. When we were using the cushion, she would flip and flop. The cot cradles her and she just settles in and nods off. I’ll think about the sign, but ownership has been clearly established ;-)

      The biggest thing that MiMi doesn’t realize is that her blanket is on the couch in the basement family room – which is not heated overnight.

      Like

      Reply
  11. Maggie Avatar
    Maggie

    The sun reflecting on the water is exquisite. Enjoy your week, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Maggie. I love seeing that. I’m going to miss stopping at this park after I retire. Have a great week.

      Like

      Reply
  12. Maggie Wilson Avatar
    Maggie Wilson

    I was at the township office on Friday – not a place I visit too often, so this was the first time I spotted the pretty flowerbeds out front – someone there has a green thumb and has hopes to enhance an otherwise drab entryway. I wondered, too, if it made their life a bit easier as they approached the work week.

    Have a good one, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It does make taking those few final steps easier, Maggie.It’s good to see something pretty before seeing a computer screen for the rest of the day.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. marianallen Avatar
    marianallen

    My heron said to tell your heron, “Hey!”.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Hey there. Heron to heron lines are open.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. Norm 2.0 Avatar
    Norm 2.0

    That stone bridge is beautiful Dan. Perfect timing to catch a train on it too.
    Yes summer has that tired bloated feel to it that usually signals it’s winding down. It was a good one though and gonna enjoy it to the very end.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Norm. I love that bridge. This summer wore out its welcome in July, but I’m not kicking it to the curb. I do look forward to cooler temps. We’re back with 110f heat index this week. It’s time for that to be done.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    This portfolio looks like summer’s swan song, Dan. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks John. We’ve had our fill of heat and humidity, so I won’t be sad to see it trailing off for a final exit.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. John W. Howell Avatar
        John W. Howell

        Don’t forget the leaves

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          You didn’t need to remind me, John. At least I’ll have plenty of time to clean them up. My first retirement project :-)

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. John W. Howell Avatar
            John W. Howell

            Ooooooooooh yeah that. Getting excited? or nervous?

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Dan Antion Avatar
              Dan Antion

              A little of both.

              Liked by 1 person

            2. John W. Howell Avatar
              John W. Howell

              Yeah, I know. If you need any pointers or just to bounce things I’m willing. Been there. Got the shirt

              Liked by 1 person

            3. Dan Antion Avatar
              Dan Antion

              Thank you!

              Like

  16. D. Wallace Peach Avatar
    D. Wallace Peach

    Beautiful photos, Dan. I love the end of summer colors.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Diana. I’m getting to the park before the sun is high in the sky.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. Teagan R. Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan R. Geneviene

    This year is passing much too fast, Dan. I feel like I’m clawing to hand onto every day. The gallery is particularly beautiful today! I love every image. How cool to see the old fashioned bridge, and then see it with the “new fangled” train. Have a marvelous Monday. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Teagan. The bridge is over 150 years old. Still carrying the load as if it was new. I hope you have a great week.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Val Boyko Avatar
    Val Boyko

    Lovely captures of late summer magic. Thanks Dan 💛

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Val. It’s funny when it hits you that it’s winding down. I was going in early for work, but I hadn’t seen the sunrise behind those power lines since spring.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. sustainabilitea Avatar
    sustainabilitea

    Beautiful shots, Dan. I don’t think that summer means the same thing when you’re not in school. But I think we all still feel a bit of what students feel, both at the beginning and at the end. Congratulations on your almost retirement! Soon you can wear jeans/shorts whenever you like. :-)

    janet

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Ha ha – thanks Janet. Unless the Editor starts enforcing a dress code. I’m actually not going to be in the office that many more days., so I won’t be bothered by “Business Casual” too much longer.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. GP Cox Avatar
    GP Cox

    The kids down here are already in school – they started on the 12th. I’m glad when I went to school, I was up north!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Me, too, GP – that’s too dang early. It’s not like you need to get a jump start because you’re expecting a lot of snow days,

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. GP Cox Avatar
        GP Cox

        No, down here they get hurricane days, but we haven’t been having very bad ones all that often. (oops, I probably shouldn’t have jinxed myself)

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          That did sound like a statement you might regret ;-)

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
    2. Prior... Avatar
      Prior…

      me three guys – loved the long summer

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  21. rugby843 Avatar
    rugby843

    Pictures so pretty. The reflected light is a beautiful color and the heron seems to be enjoying it too!❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cheryl. He did seem to enjoy standing in that light.

      Like

      Reply
      1. rugby843 Avatar
        rugby843

        We all would!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  22. Joanne Sisco Avatar
    Joanne Sisco

    I’m in denial about September approaching. I’m trying to squeeze the last little bit out of August that I can!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Prior... Avatar
      Prior…

      same here, Joanne – squeezing out every last drop

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I know that September is still summer, Joanne, but things get hectic at work, my commute is messed-up by school buses and we’re back to wearing business casual – it just seems different. I do have some days off coming up in August, and I’m enjoying a few right now.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Joanne Sisco Avatar
        Joanne Sisco

        I know what you mean about September feeling different. Let the countdown to retirement begin 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  23. AmyRose🌹 Avatar
    AmyRose🌹

    Beautiful gallery, Dan! Thank you! Can you honestly believe we are staring at Labor Day already? We had a late start (VERY!) this year for Summer to begin and now birds are flocking, nights are getting chilly, yellow haze is everywhere, …… what happened? Yes I love Fall BUT! We all know what comes after and gosh darn it, I’m not ready for grey and cold. I just gotta find time to get out with my camera and still be able to wear shorts. Two more weeks of August ….. and I WILL enjoy them!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Enjoy every minute, Amy. But, every season gives us wonders to appreciate.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. AmyRose🌹 Avatar
        AmyRose🌹

        Fine. Winter has its pros too.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  24. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    I can see why that bridge is a favorite. And a train too! Those flowers would at least make having to go to work seem like less of a chore. Hope you have a good week.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cheryl. I love seeing a train cross that bridge, and then I can turn and see it cross the next one in a few seconds. I’ve “just missed it” many times, so when I heard the whistle, I stayed put. Those flowers do help, but there’s a horrible day coming. One day, the landscaping service will rip everything out. Some years, they replace it all with mums. Some years, they just leave the dirt.

      Like

      Reply
      1. dweezer19 Avatar
        dweezer19

        Oh noooo. Not plain dirt! You should carry some wildflower seeds in your pocket and toss them onto the dirt.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  25. Robert Matthew Goldstein Avatar
    Robert Matthew Goldstein

    I can’t believe it’s almost Autumn. I hope all is well with you, Dan. That’s a glorious sunset.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Rob. We have a good wait for “official” fall, but I think most people here look at that time from Memorial Day to Labor Day as summer.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Robert Matthew Goldstein Avatar
        Robert Matthew Goldstein

        I noticed a subtle shift in the light in San Francisco.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  26. Prior... Avatar
    Prior…

    oh man – did you have to mention Labor Day?
    well you are right – it is on the way – and out of the pics today – the heron basking is my fav

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Yvette. I didn’t mean to spoil the party. I’ve just been noticing how I seem to be catching the sun rise behind those power lines more often lately. The heron was enjoying that spot.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Prior... Avatar
        Prior…

        Funny how we start to notice different things at different times…

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  27. Frank Hubeny Avatar
    Frank Hubeny

    I like the red, evening light on that majestic heron. That is also a beautiful stone bridge.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Frank. I love that heron basking in that light.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  28. JT Twissel Avatar
    JT Twissel

    That is a lovely bridge but how could the water be low? Wasn’t it flooding not long ago? Love black-eyed Susans – they’re my favs. Aside from calla lilies.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It was flooding until early June then we went to very hot and very dry. The feel good rains we’ve had, haven’t been enough to run off into the rivers.

      Like

      Reply
  29. roninjax Avatar
    roninjax

    Wonderful images Dan. I won’t emphasize too much that we’ll still have summer weather into the fall. I like the cooler fall weather. We’ll still have the threat of hurricanes although we’ve been spared so far. July was the hottest month on record in Florida so I’ll welcome come cool days – not cold like you’ll have though. :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Ron. We still have some summer heat to endure, but the hope of cooler days is wonderful to think about. We also had the hottest July on record, and it was miserable. I’ve done outside home improvement work in the winter. I have gloves and vests and all sorts of winter work gear, but I couldn’t work on my garage in July – there’s only so much you can take off.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. roninjax Avatar
        roninjax

        True Dan, and the heat takes so much out of a person. I’m hoping for cooler weather to get some projects done too.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  30. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Your heron pic is particularly lovely, Dan. Water, reflection, bird, branch – these are a few of my favorite things. 💛

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Laura. That is one of my favorite pictures from this summer. I could stand there and watch that guy all morning.

      Like

      Reply
  31. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    Some nice pics here, Dan. And hey, black-eyed Susans are my state flower …

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Paul. I didn’t know that. That’s neat. They are very pretty flowers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Laurie Avatar
    Laurie

    I used to dread Labor Day when I was a teacher. Now it’s just another late summer weekend! Beautiful photos, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      As a teacher, I can understand why that day would come with dread. It didn’t used to matter much, but about five years ago that we started switching to jeans for the summer at work. It isn’t so much the jeans, it’s the comfortable shoes I can wear with them that I miss when we return to ‘business casual’ in September.

      Like

      Reply
  33. G. J. Jolly Avatar
    G. J. Jolly

    When I was a kid, Labor Day certainly was considered the last of summer. I was excepted at school the next day with my ream of paper, PE folders, bounded notebook, pens, and pencils. It was also the last day the swimming pool at the park was open.

    Nowadays, there’s already been 3 weeks of school and almost every swimming pool is indoors.

    Am I sad about it? No, not at all. Life is a constant journey of changes, which makes life interesting.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  34. joey Avatar
    joey

    That golden water reflection — Ooh, dreamy! :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It is a pretty time of year on my commute. Makes it hard to get back in the car.

      Like

      Reply
  35. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Wonderful photos, Dan. Bridges, trains, and sunsets – it doesn’t get much better than that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jennie. I love thta bridge, and watching the train roll across as if it’s a toy, just makes me more impressed. The bridge is over 150 years old and still going strong.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        I can see why it gives you joy. 150 years old is impressive.

        Like

        Reply

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