The First Blush of Fall

The days are still warm - though far from saunistic - but we've been noticing the first blush of fall around town. A dab of autumnal color here and a wink of autumnal color there. And pumpkins have been appearing in the stores and in the fields, along with aisles full of Halloween costumes. The corn is being harvested, and the tobacco is being dried. It's time to really enjoy the trees in their leafy gowns, because all too soon the gowns will be gone, leaving only stark and gaunt remnants of their summer glory. The insects and frogs are still serenading the night, but soon their songs will fall silent. The last few fireflies weave a path of dying embers. Change is in the air.

Here's the first blush of fall in our backyard: