Up Front With Sara Parker Pauley

Ah, the dog days of summer — the garden that brought such joy in spring now makes me weary with pulling weeds, putting up produce, or better yet, trying to give it away. There are those who try to escape August’s inferno for cooler and drier destinations. For those of us left behind, we fantasize of a campfire’s warmth on a chilly fall evening. But let’s not be too quick to see the calendar flip its page — there are many magical things about summer’s finale.

August memories take me to my Granny’s farm in the Ozark hills, when the music of whip-poor-wills at dusk would summon the coolness of night , or to the banks of Bryant Creek and the thrilling sounds of a smallmouth bass smashing a jitterbug lure wobbling on the water’s surface.

Such swan songs of summer abound for all — from late nights gazing at Perseus meteor showers to watching hummingbirds at the feeder preparing for their fall migration. We can taste delicious ripened wild black cherries and elderberries or stand in awe of late blooming prairie wildflowers, such as blue sage, sweet coneflower, asters, and goldenrod, which provide much needed food for our migrating monarchs.

So friends, let’s not wish the August days away too soon. There is much beauty to behold and outdoor living to be had. Time will move us along soon enough.

Sara Parker Pauley, Director SARA.PAULEY@MDC.MO.GOV