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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing
Article Summaries |
Looking Forward To Fall
by Esther J. Perne September: There is a coolness to the morning air, a crispness. The stars are brighter at night, the sun a focused warmth, the nights given to deeper slumber. For many, this is the best season, the most energizing, motivating time of the year. Appetites are whetted — for food and for adventure and for accomplishments large and small. There is a wish to match the contagious cheerful foraging of the birds and backyard wildlife. Preparation for winter plays a large part in daily lives. Chain saws ring out, axe sounds signal smaller cutting and splitting, simple clunks speak of wood tossed, stacked. And plastic appears — put over to protect against ice and snow, put up to prevent the invasion of wind. Beauty is the hallmark of fall. Colors of foliage creep across the woodlands and burst forth from the heights. This seasonal display attracts both admirers from afar, and lookers who live here. Leaf peeping becomes popular; shopping at yard sales is a great back road pastime; and destination drives are in order. Perhaps it's time to visit another side of this vast state. Organized activities change, focus on the meaning of the season. Harvest is an important word Summer entertainment passes the torch to school-year calendars, events: music programs, theater, concerts, sports. There are so many opportunities to join and cheer with the surrounding college and university crowds. What a resource! Finally, there is departure. Birds who resided here all summer leave silently, swiftly. Those from further north pass overheard, eternally searching for a safe haven to stop. Our own peculiar brand of snowbird leaves with many wishes not to, with many hopes of returning, with many illusions that summer — the summer they carry forever in their hearts — is really here while they are away. October: Indian summer blesses this soon to be frozen part of the world. It is the last benediction of the warmer seasons — the postscript that scrawls "Living here is all worth it" across the hills. The harvest is over; its celebrations abound. Oktoberfests, harvestfests, craft fairs — Is it time to shop for Christmas? Yes. — pumpkins. Outdoor activities are at their best, but shortened by the day's light. Hikes and walks and hot chocolate are on the agenda. Wood smoke floats over treetops. The accent is on indoors. A good book is in order. November/December: Nostalgia moves in. Leaves are down. Plans for giving, visiting, greeting enter our thoughts; they can give such great comfort, reciprocal or not. Parades spark excitement. Decorations, lights do, too. Children's smiles are the miracle of the season. Snow Can summer, next summer, be far behind? | ||