Fire danger is moderate.  We had an inch of rain already this month, so that is making things feel normal, although we still have a water balance deficit since May of over 5 inches below the average.  The lawn is showing some green spots.  A sign up the road about 1/2 mile advises that "fire restrictions are in place".  That is the adjacent fire district.  Deer are again enjoying the back yard - I think because I tend to rake out the dead stuff, allowing better access to the plants that are greening up.  Many of my oak seedlings still in pots had dropped their leaves in August, now some of them have grown an entire set of new leaves.  Soil works readily, but is still solid enough to drive on.  The creek is low, and a considerable patch of Impatien capensis has developed under the bridge.  The roadside drainage ditch holds a little water, and a patch of begger's ticks in the ditch is beginning to bloom.  The barn cats have been feasting on chipmunks and mice, who put themselves in harm's way trying to collect sustenance for the winter.  Trees and shrubs are showing a bit of fall color now, the white ash out front is quite a brilliant yellow.  A kettle of 14 turkey vultures appeared about a week ago, and robins seem to be flocking together also.