Fall is just around the bend.

For me this brings mixed emotions.

 

Life moves at a faster pace in the crisp coolness of fall than in the warm hazy days of summer.

 

School has started and with it order, routines and schedules.  Alarm clocks drag us from our warm beds while it is still dark and bare feet step onto chilled floors as we race for a hot shower.  Yellow school buses dominate the roads, reminding us of the necessity of slowing down and enjoying life (and leave earlier tomorrow).

 

The world takes on a golden glow as the colors slowly change from deep greens and bright flowers to the bronze of autumn’s patchwork.

 

Rows upon rows of orange pumpkins now stand beneath signs proudly announcing “Cinderella Pumpkins” in place of watermelons, corn and strawberries at the roadside markets.  Soon they will be joined by indian corn hanging from rafters and stalks of corn bound and tied to posts.

 

The air is beginning to be filled with Canadian geese in their ever-present flying “v” formations.  The local parks and ponds provide a gathering place for them to rest on their long journeys where we now walk with greater care than we did just a couple of weeks ago.

The aroma of campfires drift on the cool breezes and there is just a general feel and smell in the cool air that reminds of us of our own school days…

 

...of homework and buses, pep rallies, Halloween, piles of leaves to jump in or burn, friends and football games. 

 

The crockpot has been pulled out of storage and in it’s place is the ice cream maker.  The cabinets are once again filled with the ingredients for hot chocolate and chili.

All around are the sounds of the challenging shouts and crashing heads of males asserting their maturity, masculinity and dominance. 

 

For some species, such as rams and deer it’s their antlers… for humans, it’s football helmets.

 

 

 

Fall is a wonderful time of year.  It would be better if it stayed a little longer.