Red Maple Tree in Full Color: My Favorite!
Fall Cub Scout Hikers, Madbury, N.N.
Jacob Jumping in the Leaves
Ahhhh. It's Autumn in New Hampshire. This is my favorite season. I love when the air has a hint of cold crispness; you can just image the winter that is on its way. The colors are breath taking. The reds, yellows, oranges, golds, greens and browns of the forest create a scenery right out of a watercolor painting. The warm wool and cotton sweaters out of the cedar chest, the clank of the pipes when the heat comes on for the first time, the cozy glow of the fireplace on a now dark, early evening all evoke a sense of contentment for me. The season is far too short, as the cold of a nor'easter will attest. I do love the very first snow, but not the months of subsequent snow shoveling. It's the fall I love. These are the sounds and the smells that make me so very glad I live in New England.
Today, I was struck at the change in my mood and disposition as soon as I came in from the outside. I had been inside for most of the morning doing various household chores. The windows let in the bright sunshine of an unusually warm October day. I went outside to do something quick, I can't even recall what it was. When I returned inside and closed the kitchen door I immediately felt the change in the air. The air outside was warm and breezy, but not in a spring or summer kind of way. There was an undercurrent that held the smell of the fallen leaves, the damp earth after the evening's rain and the intangible essence of fall. By contrast, the air in the house felt stagnant. This is the first time I can recall that I actually stopped in my tracks to take in the change in the air. I had a flash of insight as to why the long, closed-up winter can be so hard. It is definitely something in the air.
I was fortunate enough to lead my cub scouts on an easy hike along some University of New Hampshire trails. They were beginner trails but because I am by no means an expert, we lost the main trail in the fallen leaves. We ended up on an side trail, but we got to see great boy things like snakes, slugs and assorted bugs we would have otherwise missed on the more traveled main trail. It was very gratifying to share my love of the fall woods with those bright, eager faces. We identified trees and tracks while learning the importance of taking care of the natural surroundings. The boys loved the mud on the trail from the previous night's rain the best. The squish of their feet and bubbly laughter was contagious. I felt really happy taking them all out on such a beautiful, warm fall day.
I can't imagine ever giving up the change of seasons by moving out of New England. Sure, the winter is long and cold, but the ensuing spring is worth the wait. I can't picture Christmas without evergreen trees and snow. I wouldn't want to miss the first really warm breeze of summer. The smell of spring lilacs in bloom is something I look forward to all winter long. But what I would miss the most would be all the colors of fall; that first time it hits my eye that the trees are a kaleidoscope of color. I have so much to be thankful for. My home in New Hampshire, with all the promise of new beginnings each change of season brings with it, is one of my favorite blessings.
Do yourself a random act of kindness. If you are lucky enough to live here, get outside and enjoy the beauty of fall in New England. Go for a walk in the park. Kick some crunchy, dry leaves. Pick out a pumpkin at the local farm stand and carve into a silly or scary face. Take a moment and breathe in the clean, crisp air. Don't take this season for granted. It will be gone in the blink of an eye.
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