Dear Sunday Letter readers~
Hello, friends! Can you believe the first day of fall is almost here? 🍂
I’ve loved every minute of summer, but I’m more than ready for the new season—College Game Day, harvest, cooler days and chilly nights, and of course… sweater weather! I’m also excited to share a new project I’ve been working on since The Third Act of Theo Gruene launched in May.
(BTW, this is a sponsored post.)
First up…
Backyard Phenology!
As you probably know, I’ve been tracking the nature in our backyard for nearly three years now. My August phenology wheel is finished, and September is already well underway.
So many of you have shown interest in my phenology tracking that I decided to take my passion a step further.
Tada! ✨ I’ve created a Backyard Phenology Workbook and 36-Month Journal—tools to help you start your own phenology practice.
I wrote an entire article about this last week with all the details and ordering information— if you missed it, click HERE
P.S. I also have a limited supply of colored pencils available exclusively through my website.
Who knows? Maybe we’ll even start a phenology club together!
Migration Season
Here in the U.S., we’re in the thick of a vital phenological event—fall migration.
- Thursday night, more than 4 million birds migrated over Arkansas.
- Friday night, over 2 million!
Isn’t that incredible? We tend to think the world sleeps when we do, but nature is often wide awake—especially at night.
According to BirdCast (best tracking website ever!):
- Birds usually begin migrating 30–45 minutes after sunset.
- The greatest number are in flight two to three hours later.
- Many fly as high as 10,000 feet, though timing and weather affect patterns.
Click HERE for a fascinating recap of real-time migration stats.
At our feeders, we’ve noticed a wide variety of visitors—and so many monarchs!
These are the special fourth-generation monarchs fueling up on their way to Mexico. They typically delay egg-laying until spring.
The hummingbirds are busy, too. Click below to see one that zipped into our backyard a few days ago. An Anna’s Hummingbird, maybe?
Strawberry Bush
I’ve fallen in love with our Strawberry Bush, a passalong plant from our next-door neighbor. This year, for the first time, it produced fruit! The fuchsia seed heads and bright orange jellybean-like seeds are a true garden party.
Birds like the Eastern Bluebird and Northern Mockingbird enjoy the seeds—and yes, deer supposedly like it too, but so far we’ve not had any nibbling ours.
Farmer’s Defense
I am now the proud wearer of these Farmer’s Defense protection sleeves. After constant scratches and bites on my arms (and sunburn), I finally ordered a pair. And I LOVE THEM!
They’re lightweight, cooling, and made of recycled material with handy thumb holes. For every order, a tree is planted. 🌱
There are 19 patterns and 10 solid colors to choose from. Naturally, I picked the blue monarchs.
Not the best picture, but hopefully you get the gist. And bonus—they are made in the USA.
If you are so inclined, you can order via my link HERE. Yay.
Thank you, Greene County Public Library
I can’t say enough about Arkansas librarians. A special shout-out to Greene County Public Library—truly an Arkansas gem!
Librarian Connie Whitman is a champion of literacy and local authors. Each visit feels like coming home, especially in harvest season. And look at this lovely guest, perfectly coordinated with my book cover!
Even the refreshments matched the green theme—Nita’s Raspberry Cookies and lime sherbet punch. 🍈
Take a look at what the library gave me…
My very own quilt square! This is a vintage quilt pattern, hand-painted by Connie.
It now has a place of honor on our front porch.
I’m so grateful for this library community.
Things Momma Says:
I’ve never wanted to play cornhole.
🌽🌽🌽
Thank you for reading today’s Sunday Letter. I’m working on getting back to a consistent schedule—I’ve missed it. In a time when our country feels more divided than ever, sharing a little nature with you brings me hope and happiness. I hope you feel the same.
Be kind in all you do,
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
I, too, loved The Correspondent. I loved Sybil, who reminded me of another fave of mine, Olive Kitteridge. This book subtly emphasized the healing effects of writing. And the loveliness of receiving a hand written letter. ❤️
Yes! The idea to tell Sybil’s story entirely in letters felt original and very authentic. And Olive Kitteridge is one of those characters I still think of often.
Great Sunday newsletter. I have missed them.
Thank you, Cathy!
Me too.
I missed your post about the phrenology journal but I just ordered it. I’m looking forward to getting it.
I know that cute lady from Paragould holding your book! Donna Brazil is married to the brother of my best high school friend, Peggy! Small world for sure.
I love reading your letters.
Small world, indeed! She was such a sweet lady—I enjoyed talking with her. Have fun with your phenology books and let me know how it’s going.
Thank you for you Sunday Letters, they bring such a bright spot to the month on the Sunday that they have arrived.
Here in Florida, as your growing season wanes ours is just beginning. By Christmas I will have spring and early vegetables coming off. I can hardly wait. Now, if I can keep my border collie from eating all the ripe strawberries, I should be all set.
But, I do envy you the autumn colors.
Thanks so much for your comment! You can’t really blame your collie for eating fresh strawberries—they are delicious!