As quickly and violently as it came, there are telltale signs that summer is soon set to draw to a close as well.

Very early and very prominently, the southern Kenai Peninsula could be described this season as nothing more or less than pretty in pink — the fireweed accosted Kachemak Bay this year with its bright and happy presence, spreading rapidly and boldly declaring: “I am here, and so is summer.”

Many of us were taken by surprise at both its early onset and the voracity with which it enveloped our Cosmic Hamlet. The Betster, for one, has been besotted all summer long; taking photo after photo as if one might actually be able to forget what fireweed looks like.

When the Betster left for a quick getaway this past weekend, the fireweed was still in the process of topping out. When the Betster returned, it was to a mass grace of mauve/brown stretching on down the road.

RIP, friends.

It was the quintessential sign that it’s time to start moving on, to start looking ahead. Those end-of-summer projects around the house and out in the yard. Best get a move on! Your back to school and fall itineraries? Better make sure those are well in order.

If the fireweed has anything to tell us, it’s that the season of crisp mornings, orange and yellow-painted trees and apple cider is fast approaching.

While you’re wondering where the heck your summer went, check out a few of these Best Bets:

BEST BETTER NOT MISS IT BET: The Homer Council on the Arts’ first “Salon Series” of the 2019-2020 season will be held at 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday. Has the frenetic pace of summer and the anxiety of uncertainty gotten to you? Take some time out with Homer’s local improvisation theater Fresh Produce for an evening of imagination, creativity, and spontaneity — the first in this year’s Salon Series program of intimate performances in a social setting. Honing their skills to be completely in the moment, the trio of performers, Martty Zeller, Peter Kauffman, and Peggy-Ellen Kleinleder, have over 60 collective years of experience creating character, plot, and delightful dialogue. Don’t miss this one of a kind evening of laughter; with no script to follow, this show will never be seen again. Tickets are $10 for HCOA members and $15 for the general public. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

BEST OUTDOOR BET: This is your last chance to learn some outdoor skills from the Carl E. Wynn Nature Center. From 1:30-3 p.m. on Saturday, head to the center for the last installment of Outdoors Skills Training at the Wynn. This week’s theme is “Curiosity in Action.” Learn new things and make discoveries on the Trails of the Wynn Nature Center! This program costs $15 per family/group.

BEST BOTANICAL BET: There will be a Wildcrafting Alaskan Herbs workshop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Whirling Rainbow Center. The cost is $111. Forage, identify, gather, prepare, preserve and savor with Melinda Patterson. This informative and hands on Herb Studies class will help to enlarge your knowledge of Alaskan local and indigenous plants.

The Whirling Rainbow Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization cultivating unity, peace and earth sustainability. To register call 907-715-4433 or email thewhirlingrainbowfoundation@gmail.com

BEST BIKER BET: The first ever Homer, AK, Suicide Awareness and Prevention Ride and Drive Event will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Homer. The 2019 Suicide Awareness and Prevention Ride and Drive Event is to help bring awareness and the possible prevention of anyone struggling with suicide. This event is the beginning of a movement in which local members of the local communities on the Kenai Peninsula want to help bring to our communities and spread throughout the state of Alaska. These events will continue to grow and consist of the communities coming together, resources in these communities making themselves known to those who may need their help. The event is a motorcycle and vehicle ride and drive around the community, followed by food once the ride/drive is finished. Motorcycle parking will be in the parking lot at Homer Christian Church, vehicle parking will be at Homer Methodist Church and Fireweed Academy next to Homer Christian Church.

BEST THANK YOU BET: Head on over to the Veterans Appreciation Picnic being held from noon to 3 p.m. this Sunday at American Legion Post 16 located at 2410 East End Road. Veterans, active duty military and their family are invited to this free picnic. Local veterans groups will be on site with information regarding services available for veterans. Don’t miss out on the BBQ, live music, door prizes and fun.