This is the first actually cool weekend of the month and, as I write this, it’s only rained a little bit. Though it’s still about a week away, as far as I’m concerned, that means it’s fall.

If I was feeling better, I would be out taking pictures. I’ve always loved taking photo hikes, and early spring and early to mid-fall are just about the best times to take nature pictures. Though I haven’t gotten out to do it lately, here’s a bit of late summer and fall from previous years to enjoy.

A dogface butterfly (I’m pretty sure) lands on thistle.

A passionflower in the sun.

Is the coast clear?

A bee hangs out on a partridge pea.

A close-up of a spider lily after a rain shower.

Fall at the old mill in North Little Rock.

Light beams through fall trees at Burns Park.

Though the covered bridge in the same area of Burns Park is very picturesque in fall, the footbridge to its side is even more so.

A Hackberry Emperor on, yes, my right arm; a tough picture to take (and get in focus) when you’re right-handed.

Calico asters are one of my favorite fall wildflowers.

A milkweed tussock caterpillar … much prettier than the moth it turns into.

Guara on the roadside … sorta looks like a bunch of butterflies.

What really should be the mascot for copy editors, the comma butterfly.

Let the fall happy begin!