The glorious weather we have had the last few days is a perfect example of why fall is my favorite season. The temperate, daytime sunshine is followed by a nice refreshing chill in the evening. Nature’s gift to us is unfolding right before our eyes as the trees shed their summer greens and don a new, more colorful coat for the season. There are so many things to do in the fall and so little time to do it in.
Just today I was talking to a young ten year-old child. He was so excited because this weekend his family is going to pick up their grandmother and drive to Michigan. What are they going to do? Why, go apple picking of course.
He told me all about this family tradition and how its one of his favorite times of the year. As he described the annual event I began to wonder if he really even liked apples all that much. I guess it doesn’t matter, it is the season he is so excited about.
We also were at a friend’s house the other day and already they are fully enveloped in the Halloween festivities. Decorations of ghosts and ghouls hung from rooftops, doors, and trellises. The giddy nature of the homes owners could only be attributed to the fall season. How many other times of the year do full-grown adults giggle when friends come over and are startled by their electronic mayhem?
Every small town across the nation rallies to a local tradition each and every Friday night in the fall-high school football. The camaraderie of the gridiron is made much more enjoyable by wearing sweatshirts and jackets emblazoned with your team’s colors. All of this made possible by the gorgeous fall weather.
Then, just this evening, I participated in one of my favorite fall activities. That is driving around and looking for wild game. I love cruising the country roads with all the windows down, wind blowing through my hair, and the left arm hanging out.
As I attempt to keep one eye on the road, the other eye is scanning for wildlife. Nature is moving and shaking. If you know where to look, the action is constant. In fact, the first power line clearing I came to had four deer grazing and a nice flock of wild turkeys milling about. Both sets of animals were busy foraging for an evening snack. It almost seemed that they were oblivious to each other’s presence.
In a few more miles, I scanned the horizon and looked across a freshly combined cornfield and saw dozens of geese feeding away. Their slender, black necks bobbing up and down against the setting sun was a magnificent picture. Only nature could have painted it so perfectly. Both man and animals have benefited from the harvest season.
As I cruised down another back road I noticed dozens of doves taking flight from the power lines. They darted and dashed like little fighter jets and finally settled down in a tree not far away. As they traverse time-tested migration routes, thousands of hunters will test their skills against a worthy game bird.
As I exited my car and slowly walked back to the house I could still hear the squirrels. They were clearly fighting over an acorn and whom it belonged to. Their constant commotion and darting through the tall oaks is definitely a sign of the fall. The trees’ heavy mast is just starting to let loose.
The glorious weather not only enchants us outdoors, but indoors as well. Finally, after a relentless summer, the air conditioners are off and the windows open. How amazing is it to fall asleep as a gentle, cool breeze slips through the window and covers you in a peaceful rest? Thank you fall.
Hot coffee, apple cider, popcorn, bonfires, and numerous other treats are so much more enjoyable with a jacket on. It’s amazing how the time of year can affect an entire population’s mood. Take advantage of the gorgeous days that we have ahead of us. Even though the year so far has been above normal in temperature, I’m sure old man winter will settle in soon enough. Enjoy it while you can.
