Yesterday was summer. Today is fall and much cooler than it’s been. It’s a long sleeve sort of day. On my way to breakfast this morning, I noticed some of the leaves have turned. I saw reds and yellows. I also saw pumpkins and corn stalks decorating a few houses and yards. Autumn colors are my favorites.

When I was a little kid, I explored my world and watched the seasons change. I noticed everything. In the spring, the field was lush and green. Tadpoles swam in the swamp and were easily captured in a jar. The blueberry bushes were filled with blossoms. The air smelled clean and new. In summer, the tall grass turned brown. The days and nights got noisy. Insects buzzed and whirred, and katydids calling from the grass were easily caught in our hands. The swamp had darning needles skimming across the water. They’d stop and hover for a bit then flit to another spot. They’re wings were transparent in the sun. In fall, the trees were bursting with color. The morning air was chilly when we walked to school. The sun set early. Saturdays were when fathers all over the neighborhood raked and burned leaves. It was pumpkin time. Then came drab winter. Christmas was winter’s only spot of color, and it was no wonder we all took rides to see the lights. The next part of winter was the snow. The first flakes of the season were cause for trumpets and bugles and heralds proclaiming snow was finally falling. I loved the mornings after a snowstorm when the tops of the snowdrifts glittered in the sun like they were covered in tiny diamonds. The it was spring again.

When I got older, my days were filled with friends and school, and I barely took notice of the  seasons. A change in wardrobe was my only response. My eyes would catch a glimpse of the reds and yellows, but I had stopped being amazed. I just didn’t have the time to notice.

Now, I notice everything. I have plenty of time to stop and look and be amazed. It’s fun to be part of the change in seasons again. It makes me feel a bit like a kid again.