Reader here, and as much as I hate to admit it, all you need to do is look outside, and you’ll see the obvious… summer is over.
Technically, there are a few days of summer left, as the autumnal equinox arrives on September 22, signaling the first official day of fall, however, when you step outside, it already feels like autumn.
The days are already cooler and crisp, and I have to turn on the rear defrost in the car when I head to work in the morning. Not to mention that before I head out the door, I find myself reaching for a jacket, or at least one of my favourite bunnyhugs, and maybe a toque, if it’s extra chilly.
Suddenly, pumpkin spice (much to my chagrin – gross) and apple cider are everywhere, and those other comforting, warm drinks, like a nice, hot cup of tea, just taste better. Maybe you notice the days getting shorter and the evenings stretching out, perfect for curling up on the couch under a blanket, and getting lost in a good book, watching a new show or favourite movie, or catching up with friends over comfort food, like a nice bowl of chili.
Farmers’ markets are overflowing with fresh apples and pumpkins, and there’s a gentle, peaceful vibe in the air that only autumn brings, as everyone gets back into their normal routines after summer vacation comes to an end.
What’s your favorite sign that fall is here? Is it the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the smell of bonfires, or just that unmistakable feeling of everything just kind of slowing down?
One of my favourite signs of fall is when the leaves change and the trees put on such a beautiful show, losing their leaves, and painting sidewalks and parks in blankets of red, orange, and gold.
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- The annual blanket of fallen leaves has returned…
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- Time to bust out the rake
Even though it’s a bit of a bummer to see the leaves change and fall to the ground, I will admit, it’s a very pretty time of year!
Not that I’m an expert in botany, and I’m sure we went over this in high school biology, but I had to give myself a refresher on why the leaves change in the first place.
It’s pretty simple, actually – as the days get shorter and the air turns cooler, trees stop producing as much chlorophyll – the stuff that keeps their leaves green. So, as the green slowly fades away, all those hidden shades of red, orange, and yellow start to shine through, lighting up our parks and streets with those warm autumn vibes.
It’s like nature’s way of telling us to slow down, take a deep breath, and soak in the cozy, colorful moments of the season.
As much as I’ll miss summer, there are things I do enjoy about fall, like the leaves, more football, and the start of the big food holidays, with Thanksgiving on October 13!
Speaking of autumn leaves, here’s a live cut by one of my favourite trumpet players, Wynton Marsalis. Very fitting for this time of year!
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