Taking leave of autumn

Every once in awhile today we get to see a few small patches of blue sky. It helps a lot. The combination of cold and cloudy has been really depressing, especially since the cold has arrived unseasonably early this year and yesterday my old home town, Boston, was in the low 70s.

Our Weatherguide Calendar notes that “Nov. 19 is the average date for permanent snow cover in the Twin Cities.” Since many of Minnesota’s weather averages are comprised of wide ranges, we’ll cross our fingers that this year “permanent” snow cover will be a month later than average. Plus, the same Calendar notes that, on November 19 the average high temperature is 40, which helps melt snow rather quickly. Something isn’t fitting together here, but that’s becoming par for almost any course these days.

crows on fallen leaves

Photo by J. Harrington

Another example of unusual and/or irregular is mail delivery. Friday was a federal holiday so we didn’t expect any mail and anticipated more than normal on Saturday, except we didn’t get any mail delivered on Saturday either. If there’s been a recent cancellation of Saturday mail, I missed that announcement.

Today is the last day of firearms deer season in our permit areas. That means we can ease off wearing blaze orange and focus more on warmth and comfort in our outerwear. That will be an improvement since the blaze orange coat I wear used to go on over several other layers I don’t wear unless I’m sitting in a deer stand, not moving much, for several hours. The dogs have been deprived of extended sniffing sessions since there’s been a brisk breeze accompanying our premature cold snap this past week and the coat wasn’t enough to keep me warm as I stood around with  the sniffers. Bet you never thought country living could get this complicated, I know I didn’t. But then I never really anticipated dealing with a breakdown in what was once a “normal” climate pattern.

Why the Leaves Fall

A Lakota Legend

Many moons ago when the world was still very young, the plant and animal life was enjoying the beautiful summer weather. But as the days went by, autumn set in, and the weather became colder with each passing day.

The grass and flower folk were in a sad condition, for they had no protection from the sharp cold. Just when it seemed that there was no hope for living, He who looks after the things of His creation came to their aid. He said that the leaves of the trees should fall to the ground, spreading a soft, warm blanket over the tender roots of the grass and flowers. To repay the trees for the loss of their leaves, He allowed them one last bright array of beauty. 

This is why, each year, during Indian summer the trees take on their pretty farewell colors of red, gold, and brown. After this final display they turn their appointed task – covering the Earth with a thick rug of warmth against the chill of winter.

Source

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