“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than any other season”
~ Virginia Woolf ~
I’ve always been a laggard when it comes to changing seasons. It takes me a while to find my rhythm at the beginning of each season and then, I kick & scream when the end is near. One foot in front of the other and a flip of the calendar should suffice.
I’ll admit the transition from summer to fall this year was easier. It was so bloody hot, I couldn’t wait for cooler days to embrace the landscape. I’ve been known to break a sweat tying my Hoka sneakers and wilt like daffodil in the summer heat… mucho caliente = no bueno.
For the record, the NYC region was hotter than normal this year and recorded 16+ days of 90F (32.2C), sweltering, off the charts, bring an extra shirt to work heat. We managed to receive two (2) years of 90F+ heat in one summer. Joy.
Pumpkin Patch - Congers, NY
Rockland Lake State Park - Valley Cottage, NY
As sure as the sun rises each day, summer would melt into fall and cool, crisp air would descend from the heavens… or Canada. And just like the 7:10AM Monday train from Tarrytown to Grand Central… presto/chango… fall arrived right on time and everyone rejoiced (at least most of us).
Fall is a glorious time of year. It has a calm, tranquil effect and allows us to breathe easier and reflect. It just feels more relaxing and yet invigorating at the same time. Some might say, this is because we’re bombarded with college & professional sports going into the end of the year. Fair point… and probably, true (go Yankees!)!
Oakley, Utah
Park City, Utah
After we manage to put away the wrinkle cream (i.e. suntan lotion) and swim suits, we unleash the Irish sweaters, polar fleece, flannel PJ’s and mock turtlenecks. The hibernation season for our favorite threads is over and like a bear leaving the den… boom… a new wardrobe is upon us.
The highlight of the changing season is best reflected in the trees. Fall takes us back to 3rd grade science class and the lesson on photosynthesis. The process of leaves producing chlorophyll during the growing season by simply masking other colors with an abundance of green pigmentation.
As days become shorter and and nights longer, the cooler temperatures set the color wheel in motion. Early morning light dances on the landscape in pure delight, and the crimson shade of a Maple tree starts to dance with the burnt orange hue of an Oak tree.
Rockland Lake State Park - Valley Cottage, NY