First Day of Fall

After the tempestuous storm which passed through the valley a few days ago, once again the seasonal clime has returned. Today the high was 87°F/31°C. The forecast temperture for this evening and early morning hours will hover about 57°F/13°C.

Today is the first day of fall. The city tree crew came by the neighbood today and did some preventive maintenance on the deciduous trees. They trimmed much of the overhanging branches looming above the rooftops and utility lines.

Autumn brings a different but equally alluring charm than summer. The urgency is over. The Myrna figs are ripen in the backyard; the garden eludes attention - except for the two chrysanthemum plants I bought last week at SaveMart. They are now gracing the southside of the house.

In recent days, there is a stillness at dawn that is unique to the season - not a rustle of wind nor the cacophony of bird-speak. Early morning mists mask the orchard and fields along Route 99. Autumn fruits hanging on the boughs are ready for the harvesting.

The autumn equinox has ushered in the season of harvest and thanksgiving. It is a time for the scarecrows to begin celebration another successful year in their illustrious career. From one generation to another, they have toiled in the fields under the most inauspicious conditions. Truth to tell, there would be no cornucopias without the aid and dedication of these faithful friends. Yet, they demanded little in return. Most admirable of their kind is nary a disparaging word nor discontent ever uttered.

So then, on this very night when the scarecrows celebrate their annual Autumn Dance, I have decreed Shostakovich's Waltz Number 2 as their signature dance for the occasion.

(This music segues nicely into Dmitri's birthday celebration on 25 September.)