We have been blessed with another lovely day, a perfect weather day. It is 75° with a bright sun, a cooling breeze and a deep blue sky. While the dogs were in the yard, I stood on the deck and watched them romp, well, Nala romped while Henry plodded.

I’m going to reenter the world today. I’m going to dress in outside clothes and leave the house. The last time I was out was Wednesday. Since then I haven’t needed anything, and I’ve been content in my cozies. I have uke practice tonight and during the week a lesson and two concerts.

When I was a kid, the first week of school was, at first, exciting, then exhausting. All day was regimented. After the freedom of summer, being stuck at my desk except for recess and a class bathroom visit, each of us in line waiting our turn while the nun kept the line moving, was difficult. I felt restless. My classroom, though, was mostly quiet except for the sounds of kids shifting in their chairs, the occasional rustling of papers and the nun in front giving instruction. No one spoke out of turn or dared to whisper because retribution was swift and public. It didn’t take long for us to fall into the familiar pattern of each school day. We knew we were stuck.

I followed the changes in seasons when I walked to school and home again. At the start of school, all the trees were heavy with green leaves which gave shade and protection from the rain. When the leaves started to turn color, we knew winter was banging on the door. The first fallen leaves were yellow and red. I’d pick up perfect leaves to save between ironed sheets of wax paper. Soon enough the leaves covered the sidewalks and piled in the gutters. The mornings got chilly. The trees grew barer and barer. Winter announced itself with frost on windows. I could see my breath on frosty mornings. The walk to school was cold. I always thought winter was the longest season. Spring arrived when small buds appeared on the trees over the sidewalk. My eyes welcomed that first sight of green after a dull, dark winter. I got to watch the leaves grow.

I watch the change in seasons still. I watch the trees in my backyard. Right now they are heavy with green leaves. The whole yard is shaded, but fall will soon come. The clues are there. The nights are chilly, and the early mornings hold on to that chill. I’m keeping my eye out for the first fallen leaves. They are red.

This entry was posted on September 8, 2026 at 1:46 pm and is filed under Musings. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.