I am continuing my Changing Seasons Photo Challenge series hosted by Cardinal Guzman (Click here for my May post, June post, and July post).

At the end of July, we welcomed our second grandson so August was filled with loads of special grandma (and grandpa/aunt/uncle) time. It was (and is) so wonderful to live within walking distance from my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. How precious it is to see this little one grow (it seems, daily!).

During August, my husband and I went tent camping (only the second time in my whole life) at Sandy Hook Gateway National Park. I survived the sleeping and we enjoyed our time there especially since Sandy Hook is the location of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Sandy Hook is also known for beautiful sunrises and sunsets since it is a barrier spit surrounded by water – the Shrewsbury River to the West and the Atlantic Ocean to the East. We managed to see two sunsets but 5:15 am sunrise came too early for us especially when wrapped up all cozy in a sleeping bag.  The park has many beautiful nature areas. We discovered prickly pear cactus growing among the vegetation.  Prickly pear cactus is the only cactus native to New Jersey.

August saw my New Jersey garden pop with tomatoes and flowers.  We ended up giving bags and bags of tomatoes away. Butterflies came for regular visits to my zinnias and an occasional hummingbird buzzed amongst the blooms.

One week old
Sunset – Sandy Hook Gateway National Area
Our luxurious accommodations
Sandy Hook salt marsh
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Lighthouse climbing conditions
Prickly Pear Cactus
Tomatoes in my garden
Zinnia
Butterfly
Echinacea
One month old

I love this description of August from Natalie Babbitt’s book, “Tuck Everlasting”.

The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color. Often at night there is lightning, but it quivers all alone.

Now that summer is gone, I wistfully remember those halcyon summer days. I remember and I am thankful.

What are you thankful for?

If you would like to share your version of “Thankful Thursday” (photos or text or both) today or in the future, you can link your post to my post on Thursdays in the comments section. Happy Thursday Everyone!