The primary color amid the pine trees of Cape Cod was the flaming autumn red of Virginia creeper, surrounding the tree trunks like red tights.
On Nantucket, we found a leaf-green bobble-headed praying mantis on the wood-pile as we hung up some clothes to dry. She slowly moved her head to and fro, as her amazing forearms (think Popeye biceps), drawn in close to her body, waited for some hapless mate or other prey, and presented us with a long leisurely viewing. The insect’s shadow in the low autumn sun was perfectly detailed.
There were black crows and the jewel-like golden crowns of kinglets. Inch-long grasshoppers Jetsoned away from our feet. And, since my camera decided to go on the fritz, you’ll have to imagine it all.
Returning to Brooklyn, we noticed some very distant lightning during dinner. We made it inside just in time. For the storm arrived, zounds! the second wild storm of this half of the year. This time it was hail, which littered the streets – from the third story it looked like a sprinkling of snow, and the sound on the roof was cataclysmic. The Back 40 looked as if a large blender full of leaves had exploded all over it.
On the streets, the hail brought Fall to us suddenly, piling green leaves along the sidewalks.
Backyard and Beyond 
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