Welcoming October: A Breath of Change
As September draws to a close, I feel the shift in the air. After the relentless heat of summer, it’s time for a long, cleansing breath. The mornings arrive with a crispness that whispers of change. Leaves begin their slow transformation, dressing in their autumn best. October is nearly here, and with it comes a quiet turning, a subtle invitation to reflect, realign, and prepare.
​
This season is a threshold. Autumn calls us to harvest what we've sown, to gather wisdom from the year’s growth, and to prepare ourselves for the inward journey toward winter. It’s a time to pause and listen, to honor the rhythms of nature and spirit.
 
Our Jewish friends mark this season with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—a sacred time of renewal, forgiveness, and spiritual cleansing. These observances remind us that change is not only external but internal. In the spirit of this season, we echo the ancient prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). What a tender invitation to release what no longer serves us and step forward with intention.
 
Let us finish September by leaning into transformation. May we seek balance, celebrate our spiritual growth, and honor the ongoing journey—within ourselves and with one another.

A Moment of Grace in the Garden
One of my favorite things in the garden is when something unexpected just happens. A surprise that makes us slow down, look twice, and smile. It helps, of course, when you spend an inordinate amount of time puttering about, noticing the small things.
 
This year, we discovered a cluster of Moss Rose plants springing up seemingly out of nowhere. We certainly hadn’t planted them among the peonies—but there they were, bold and beautiful. We gently dug them up and moved them to a sunnier spot where they could truly thrive. Now, each morning, they greet us along the walking path—a quiet offering of grace.
 
This morning, we find grace in the garden.
 
We come for peace, escaping the noise of the outside world. It’s early and still. The birds sing softly in the background. My coffee is warm in my hands, a comfort on this slightly chilly September morning.
We come for beauty—and walk away slightly transformed.
 
We come to share a moment in creation with our Creator. A moment of prayer. A prayer for renewed hope. A prayer to become more loving. More gentle. More tender.
 
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22–23
 
A moment of grace in the garden.
 
May you find your own moment of grace today—unexpected, unearned, and quietly blooming where you least expect it. That’s all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

The rains of the past few days have been a welcome sight here in the Carondelet Garden in south Saint Louis.  We should see mostly cloudy skies today with a few more showers developing this afternoon.  Highs are quite lovely in the mid 70s with winds out of the NNE at 5 to 10 MPH.

As gentle rain fell on the Garden these past few days, emotions rose to the surface like steam from sun-warmed soil. Late summer and early autumn rains have always stirred something deep within me—a quiet ache, a sacred remembering. Rain carries a spiritual weight, a timeless symbol of renewal and cleansing.
 
It often feels like a cosmic reset button. Water, the universal purifier, washes away what’s heavy—impurities, weariness, lingering negativity. The heavens open, and grace pours down, offering us a new beginning. Across many spiritual traditions, rain signifies release: of burdens, guilt, and stagnant energy.
 
Picture yourself standing in a soft drizzle, the weight of a hard day dissolving with each drop. This gentle cleansing invites us to surrender what no longer serves, making space for clarity, healing, and growth.
 
After our long drought, we needed this rain more than ever. The recent showers have revived the garden—and this old gardener. The parched soil drinks deeply, and so does my spirit. The rain has been a quiet mercy, a balm for both the land and my heart.
 
Rain down on me.
Rain down on me.
 
That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It’s Finally Here! Happy Fall, Y’all!

Today, September 22, 2025, marks the autumnal equinox—the celestial signal that fall has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere. At exactly 2:19 p.m. EDT, the sun will hover directly above the equator, bringing our long, hot summer to a graceful close.
​
This astronomical moment happens like clockwork each September, usually on the 22nd or 23rd. And during the equinox, something magical occurs: the sun rises almost due east and sets nearly due west, casting a balanced glow across most of the globe (except at the poles, where things are always a bit more dramatic).
 
While many folks consider the equinox the “official” start of fall, there’s no governing body that stamps it with approval. It’s more of a poetic transition than a bureaucratic one—and I’m here for it.
 
Interestingly, while astronomers say summer ends today, meteorologists and climatologists wrapped it up back on August 31, the final day of the year’s hottest stretch. Honestly? I tend to agree. For me, fall begins when Labor Day weekend fades into memory. The pools close, the school bells ring, and suddenly everything feels like pumpkin spice and possibility.
 
The equinox reminds me of the beauty in balance—light and dark, growth and rest, holding on and letting go. Spiritually, it feels like an invitation to pause and realign. Just as the sun finds its midpoint, I find myself seeking equilibrium in my own life. What needs harvesting? What needs releasing? Autumn, with all its crisp air and golden light, nudges me toward deeper reflection and quiet gratitude.
“He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.” — Psalm 104:19
There’s comfort in knowing that even the heavens move in harmony, guided by divine timing.

A lovely morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  We had a little bit of rain earlier.  The clouds are still hanging around and we could see a stray shower or thunderstorm pop up this morning.  Otherwise, we should see a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the upper 80s.  A bit cooler than we've seen recently and the cooling trend should continue through the weekend.  A welcome respite from this recent heatwave. Winds will be out of the SW at 5 to 10 MPH.  Bring on the rain!

It's been a few weeks to say the very least.  I've been trying to pray.  Trying to find a place of hope.  Prayers is meant to bring us to see the world as God sees the world.  It is meant to expand our vision, not to trap us in the world that is only ourselves.  To live with no life in us is a curse of its own making.  Yet, I continue to struggle.  I seek and struggle to find. But I continue to seek.  I have no choice.  I still believe, Lord.  Help my unbelief.  It's been a few weeks. 

I'm heading out soon to walk the Doodle and then to the Garden for some weeding.  As I pull the weeds in the Garden I am praying for hope.  Praying to see the world as God sees the world.  Expand my vision.  Amen.

A beautiful morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  The skies are filled with bright sunshine and the bluest of skies.  We should see plentiful sunshine all day with zero-percent chance of rain.  It's going to be another hot one with temperatures in the mid-90s.  Winds are light and variable.  Another day with no rain.  The drought is real here in south Saint Louis.

The watering continues today.  We are trying to keep things alive in the heat and drought but some plants are starting to show some major stress.  We are hoping to keep them alive and that they will recover before Winter sets in.  We keep at it and hope for the best while preparing for the worst.

We have been keeping ourselves very busy and trying to avoid the loud and the angry and embrace a bit of hope and love.  Not easy in today's world to be sure.  This morning it is a cup of coffee and some classical music playing on the Smart Speaker.  A little relaxation and a bit of playtime with the Doodle Dog.  Be good to yourself this mid-week day.  Be kind to others along your way.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It is still hot here in the Carondelet Garden and it looks like the heat is going to stick around through most of the week but the weekend looks lovely and we might even see a shower or two on Saturday!  Today we should see a mix of sun and clouds.  A very small chance of rain this afternoon.  Highs in the mid 90s with winds out of the ENE at 5 to 10 MPH.  

The Veggies are busting out all over.  We are getting a second wave of Patio Eggplant, and they are simply delicious.  The Peppers have been a miracle.  We've never had so many and they keep coming.  The Winter Squash, Spinach and Lettuce are coming along as well.  We are also trying for a second round of Snow Peas.  The first round were a huge disappointment.  Things are looking good this time around.  We are very excited about the Raspberries.  They are simply bursting with fruit this year.  Can't wait for Raspberry Preserves!

The Garden has given us such solace these past few days.  A needed sanctuary from the noise and anger and chaos all around us.  Take a moment to find some solace this week.  Turn down the noise.  Escape for a moment and recharge.  Pray.  Meditate.  Relax. Do whatever you need to keep going.  Be good to yourself and kind to others, especially right now.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Sunny skies in the Garden this morning.  It's going to be pretty hot with highs in the mid 90s and winds light and variable.  A nice day but still very dry!

This lovely hummingbird has been a constant visitor to the Garden this year.  We have nicknamed her "Betty Bird" (I have no idea if this is a male or female, so my apologies in advance).  We call her Betty Bird after Dr. B's mom.  The little hummingbird visits on most days and flitters about the garden looking for a snack or possibly a quick drink from the bubbling fountain.  She was a welcome sight yesterday.  Our nation has become so angry and divided.  It seems to worsen every single day.  More violence and death.  More rhetoric and inflammatory actions from the people who should be leading us to a better way.  

I am an old man, and I'm frightened by the anger and division.  I've always believed that what was wrong with our nation could be overcome by what is so right about our nation.  I'm worried that may no longer be true.  I'm fighting so hard and trying to hang on to a bit of hope.  My faith is weak, and my hope is failing.  I'm clinging to love.  I'm holding on to love.  Love for my family.  Love for my friends.  Love for my neighbors.  Love for those I disagree with.  Love for those I don't really like but I'm trying to love them anyway.  In the end love is the only way to win.  It is all we have to fight the anger.  It is all we have to fight craziness.  It is all we have.  Love is all we have.  As the song says, "love is all we need."  

This morning I'm looking for Betty Bird. Searching for a bit of hope and faith and holding on to some love.  I'm still afraid.  I'm still angry.  I'm still frustrated.  But the hummingbird helps.  The Garden heals my weary soul.  A little grace in the form of a hummingbird to bolster hope on a Friday morning in September.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

We headed out to the Garden under partly cloudy skies this mid-week morning in south Saint Louis.  It's going to be warmer than yesterday with highs in the upper 80s with light and variable winds.  We have a morning routine of watering, watering, watering these past few weeks with no sign of relief in the long-term forecast.  On top of it, the heat is going to return, albeit not the massive heat waves we have experienced earlier in the summer.  The next seven days calls for high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s.  Buckle up, Fall has not really arrived just yet!

A harbinger of the soon-to-be Autumn are the return of the Monarch Butterflies to the Garden.  What a sight to behold.  The flying works of art with their orange and black fluttering about reminding us that the seasons are changing.  They don't stick around for very long but they are glorious while they are here.  It has been a grace-filled few days in the Garden with the Monarchs, the Swallowtails and the hummingbirds all feeding and flitting about.  I've been praying to be filled with more gratitude and there is nothing that I am more thankful for than these beautiful creatures in my Garden.

There is a wonderful quote by Melodie Beattie that says, "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."  Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more!  Enough... and more!  Amen to that!

The watering continues. The Garden is looking good right now.  The Fall lettuce and spinach and squash are doing their thing.  The peppers are producing like gangbusters.  It's a good day in the Garden.  It's a good day to be grateful.  Thankful for the bounty of Creation.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Another beautiful, sunny start to the day here in the Carondelet Garden.  Still no rain to speak of and we are really getting dry!  The sunshine will be around all day with highs in the upper 70s and winds out of the ESE at 5 to 10 MPH.  It is absolutely gorgeous in the Garden on this Monday morning in September.

We had some delightful visitors to the Garden yesterday.  The Swallowtail Butterflies are enjoying the brightly colored flowers, especially the Lantana right now.  It brings such joy and grace to the Garden as these flying works of art flitter about in the sunshine sucking up energy for the journey. 

It is sometimes hard to remember to be grateful in these trying times.  Yet, we are grateful.  Thankful for the beauty of the Garden and the serenity it brings.  Grateful for good friends, old and new.  Grateful for the most amazing of neighbors who are very much family.  Grateful for the grace of family both chosen and born.  We are indeed blessed by our Creator with incredible lives that are full and abundant.  We are thankful.  We are grateful.  We must remember!  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It's a bit cloudy here in the Carondelet Garden on this first Friday in September.  We should see mostly cloudy skies this afternoon with a slight chance of a rain shower (we can only hope!)  Highs should be in the low to mid-70s with winds out of the NW at 10 to 15 MPH.

Today would have been my Dad's 89th birthday and my parents' 72nd wedding anniversary.  Yes, I did the math correctly.  My parents married on my Dad's 17th birthday.  A different time and a different era.  Mom has been gone for twenty years and Dad left us seventeen years ago. It feels like forever and yesterday at the same time.  I still remember their 50th Wedding Anniversary party.  My Mom was not in a good place, and we all knew it was a matter of time but together they celebrated.  Like so many theirs was not a perfect life or a perfect love but they worked.  Ups and downs. Crooked roads and straight they travelled through life together.  In so many ways I believe Dad died of a broken heart.  The first time I ever saw my Dad cry was when my Mom passed.  

I remember giving his eulogy at the funeral.  I told his friends and family that Dad had his bags packed.  He knew where he was going.  He knew he would reunite with Mom and he had a faith stronger than anyone I've ever met.  He was a very black and white, good and bad, right and wrong type of person.  I am one who sees every shade gray and that sometimes-caused friction, but I always knew I was loved. 

Here's to letting those around us know we care.  Let those special people in your life know they are loved.  It's a good day to be a bit more loving.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Another beautiful day here in the Carondelet Garden.  The sun is shining brightly with blue skies overhead.  Low humidity and wonderful temperatures on this mid-week Wednesday morning.  A glorious day with highs in the mid to upper 80s.  Winds are out of the West at 5 to 10 MPH.  Beautiful weather but we are desperate for some heavenly moisture.  The smattering of rain yesterday was just that... a smattering.  A lovely soaking rain would be quite welcome about now.

"Rain down on me." The words of the hymn ring loudly today for so many reasons.  First, we need some rain here in Saint Louis.  It has been extremely dry for a long time.  Yet, this old gardener has been feeling a bit dry as well.  Spiritually dry.  There is so much going on in the world and I'm feeling small and a bit helpless.  Yet, it is precisely our smallness that allows us to trust in the power of creation that surrounds us.  It is only then that we can truly come to see the face of God in the face of others.  

When we turn over our power to something outside ourselves, which is the very essence of faith, we have faith in something greater than our smallness.  We face our helplessness as a sign of the Creator of all things at work in us and all around us.  This is often easier said than done for this old man.  Yet, we persevere.  Every day a new beginning.  A new opportunity to be a part of creation.  

A new day.  I think I'll plant something.  Be a part of creation.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.