Sing A Song Of Seasons
Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all!
Flowers in the summer,
Fires in the fall!
—Robert Louis Stevenson
In this part of the world, October is the month of autumn colors. Nature gently foreshadowed the approaching change by dropping a few hints in August, and in September the character of Autumn opened the door and entered the scene. But now that we have turned the page to October, Autumn is strutting proudly to center stage, with fire and energy. A new act has begun, and Nature has changed both the set and the wardrobe.
Autumn is a bold and flamboyant character, not only in her brightly-colored apparel, but in her voice and movements. Leaves are tossed helter-skelter in all directions, rustling and flying with abandon. Winds bluster and blow, tugging at coats and disrobing trees. Fires crackle and dance madly in hearths and backyards. Overhead, geese blast their way loudly south, in haughty groups playing follow-the-leader. Children laugh and kick their way merrily through piles of leaves, spreading infectious giddiness. Strolling adults quicken their pace and look more often toward the sky, trying to keep up with the swiftness of the changing weather.
This is the season of soups and stews and strong cider. Of couples snuggling and nuzzling under quilts and blankets, encouraged by cooler days and longer nights. Already, preparations are underway for the coming of frost and snow. Mothers are searching closets for winter coats and mittens and scarves, which children will ignore. The changes are palpable, tangible, felt and seen everywhere now. The curtain has gone up on a new act in Nature's annual production, and we all have front-row seats.
Welcome to October!