Stardate 10/26/2005 (Fall)

I am so amazed at how this new world I live in has so suddenly steeped itself in fall. The things that were bathed in the ruddy light of sunset only days ago are now covered in a blanket of deep shadows. The clouds have turned from a million shades of white to lead. The air snaps and tingles on it's way past your nose. Trees, which only just changed their garb from green to red and yellow, have suddenly (apparently all receiving the memo at the same time) shed their leaves. These golden feathers cover the ground, the window sills and some even make it to the highway to play in the woosh made by the rushing cars. Pumpkins squat on porches and in the windows of the shops downtown. Every cafe has a sign announcing things like "We have hot apple cider" and "Try our eggnog-It's delicious!" Flower beds are withered grave yards. T-shirts have transformed into sweaters. Sounds have become somehow muffled and more like the things you hear in a dream. Fog creeps in the moment the sun is extinguished and lies in wait for the morning's dawn. The geese have long since honked their way across the sky. And the neighborhood squirrels are rushing to bury last minute supplies. It's fall here. It's beautiful.