For all the moaning and groaning I’ve done about the demise of
summer (and trust me, I have), I must admit to a phenomenon that
grabs hold of me every year about this time. I witnessed this
marvel the other day driving down the winding road leading out of
our neighborhood toward town. Sure, it seems pretty insignificant
now, but on that day, it was a sea of change.
For all the moaning and groaning I’ve done about the demise of summer (and trust me, I have), I must admit to a phenomenon that grabs hold of me every year about this time. I witnessed this marvel the other day driving down the winding road leading out of our neighborhood toward town. Sure, it seems pretty insignificant now, but on that day, it was a sea of change.
A falling leaf drifted down and brushed my windshield as I passed beneath a massive old oak.
OK, this doesn’t sound like the watershed moment that it was, but – Oh! The miracles! The way one season kind of happens along – way before we even recognize that a change is in the air.
Yes, I know, those sweet, sweet strawberries this summer were fabulous. Sunny days at the beach were intoxicating. And that first early morning peek of sunlight streaming through my bedroom curtains set a happy tone for the entire day. So. Did a simple leaf actually bring me paroxysms of pleasure on that fine, clear afternoon driving into town? You bet.
Because somehow our bodies sense a shift in seasons. No, this probably isn’t written in some scientific journal. I have my own data bank that I draw upon, thank you very much. All these many decades under my belt mean I’ve seen my share of season changes. And they never fail to excite me.
Let’s think about it for a moment. What is fall? Besides the equinox and all that, to many of us fall has a warm, homey feel. Young kids return to school, coming home excited and smelling like eager warm puppies. Older kids, even those in the grip of the slouchiest of teenage angst, hang about the kitchen – wondering what’s for dinner, did anybody call, can they talk us into the latest style of shoe. Without admitting it – God forbid – they too feel the shift of seasons and it leaves them a wee bit friendlier for a while.
Although an equinox occurs twice each year, it’s the autumnal point that fills me with the most spirit. Sure, the spring (or vernal) equinox is a welcome event after a cold and dreary winter, but who are we kidding here? Spring comes in March. And when is the last time you felt the kiss of a warm spring day in March for heaven’s sake? I rest my case.
Now you may argue that even with this new celestial sphere where the Sun has come to reside, Septembers can become quite hot. And while I agree it’s not fun searching the local pumpkin patch while mopping the dripping sweat off your nose, we know that soon enough the days will cool and a nippiness will inhabit the air.
Even in California where we complain that the weather is the same all year round, with the chilly days of fall we anticipate the good things that cooler weather brings. And while we may miss those summer strawberries, harvesting apples on an afternoon in autumn is a pleasure that’s hard to top.
As we figuratively gather our arms about friends and family for cozy evenings at home, we start anticipating the heartier foods and rich colors of fall. We’ll soon be searching the recipe box for thick, savory soups – served all warm and spice-scented in our favorite bowls. The bounty of harvest-time veggies rendered into bisque makes a dandy first course and warms the heart and the tummy. The spiced apple cider and mulled wine – forgotten since last winter – are waiting in the wings.
Evenings become crisp, nightfall creeps in earlier. We light the candles on the dinner table – an indulgence that seemed too ridiculous all summer. By the time it was dark enough for candles, it was nearly time for bed! Who could envision candles in July? Not this girl.
So even after one more year where I swore I could NEVER be tired of summer, I’ll admit I have my eye on new enchantments. Bunches of red and gold Indian corn on the mantel. Bulky textured, richly colored sweaters, perfect for chilly autumn afternoons.
Time again for caramel apples, pumpkin pie and savory stews simmering on the kitchen stove. Leaf rakes taking center stage at the hardware store. The season for football, pumpkin ale and gathering wood for warm, fragrant fires on the hearth.
So let us say, “So long, summer, we’ll see you next year.” And while we’ll miss those sweet strawberries, rosy red apples and luscious pears, all ripened to perfection, are finally on their way.
