Mid-August. Time for the beginning of change of seasons. I'm ready for Memorial Day.

Summer isn't over - temperatures in high 90s this week - and temperatures into 100s possible into September, but the beginning of the end-of-summer thunderstorms - sometimes without water reaching the ground ("virga") - is a sign that autumn is beginning to force its way into planning.

During my recent journey, I noticed the trees beginning to change color. Early August seemed a bit soon; perhaps a hard winter is coming. Haven't had one of those in a while.

I don't go into the high country after mid-August without being prepared for freezing rain and snow. Not likely but not unheard of either. I was in Denver one year when the snowfall before Labor Day was heavy enough to cause significant tree damage - the leaves were still green - and that was only at 6000 ft.

My honey locust is beginning to show signs of yellowing ....

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