Signs Of Fall

Although folks living on the Equator will not see the sun pass directly overhead for four more days, here in the Northern Hemisphere both Mother Nature and humans (who mistakenly think they are separate from nature) are already well into their autumn routine.

Two weeks ago I noticed that some of the trees along Main Street had developed a reddish tint, and last week they were definitely showing their lovely fall blush. Also last week, I heard the first call of the wild geese, heading south I presume, although I didn’t actually see them.

Last year I noticed that throughout the winter, some flocks of geese were headed in unpredictable directions, including north, even in January. I wonder if climate change, nee global warming, has confused them. Will the time come when they will stay at home for the entire year?

Humans have also made the transition. No respectable person has worn white since Labor Day. But I also notice that there are more and more disrespectable people who are wearing whatever they please. I am in favor of this trend.

Unless you have been living on the dwarf planet, Pluto, you have probably noticed that football is in full swing. On TV you can view Friday night football, Saturday afternoon and evening football, Sunday afternoon and …; you get the idea.

Of course, the sight of kids on their way to and from school is another sign of fall. As a result, Barbara and I have sought out routes that detour around schools at certain hours of the day. A really astute person can tell when school is open just by noticing which streets we are using at 8:00 am and 2:30 pm.

Yesterday we put the flannel sheets on the bed. In the next week or so we will be switching to long-legged and long-sleeved pajamas, and sometime after that it will be time to dig out the comforter. Hopefully that time is still a month or two away.

Yesterday also was the last of the “corn and tomato tables” in the dining rooms. We got to take advantage of them only once, but they were delicious. (The corn and tomatoes – not the tables.)

I have already started checking the thermometer and the weather forecast in the morning, before deciding what to wear for the day. Soon I can stop checking – I will know what to expect.

Very shortly I can think about taking the patio furniture inside. I like to think about it for as long as possible – usually until Barbara says, “When are you going to bring in the patio furniture?’ I just realized that I always like to think about work before actually doing any of it. I can say every day, “I’m retired – I was tired yesterday and I’m tired again today.

Anyway, these are some of the signs of fall that I have noticed. If you would like to add to my list, please do so by clicking on “comments” at the end of this section.