SUNDAY FUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

 SUNDAY FUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

FALL

Technically, Fall started this morning Sunday September 22nd  (at 7:44 Central Daylight Time).  This is the Fall Equinox.  Our daylight hours will continue to shrink until December 21st (the Winter Solstice).   (My friend Bonnie sent me a link to Harvest Moon by Neil Young https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2MtEsrcTTs)

Along the way, that hour we “gained” last spring will go away, and we will be back on Central Standard Time. (Sunday, November 3rd).  We will all be time travelers on November 3rd at 2:00 a.m. - we will live everyday lives until 2:59:59 - and then we will relive that hour from 2:00 to 2:59.  As for me, I intend to catch up on that hour of sleep I lost when we “sprang ahead” back in March (March 10, 2024)

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PUMPKIN SPICE MIX

Cinnamon

Ginger

Nutmeg

Cloves

Allspice

(And, just a touch of fresh ground) Black pepper - and yes, pumpkin spice does NOT contain any pumpkin!!!)

SHORT STORY #1

The sun set with a brilliant copper display, which cast its golden glow on the land. A calm, crisp breeze blew through the town. Once deep forest green, leaves changed to a burnt orange and gamboge hue, slowly drifting through the air, blanketing the ground. The fallen leaves crunched under my feet as I walked through the town and admired the gorgeous tapestry. I paused for a moment to take it all in. A nearby raven produced its distinctive cry. A hint of cinnamon and apples wafted through the air. It signaled to my mind that fall had arrived.

*****

Our fall days in Texas are unlike those in Vermont or New Hampshire.  Many of our Live Oaks don’t lose their leaves until spring; some trees change color and drop their leaves.

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SHORT STORY #2

I knew it was coming.  I’ve tried so hard.  I’ve been kind, pleasant, and loving, but you are leaving me anyway.  I fed you - both when you were so young and through your whole life - but you are leaving me anyway.  That bond that held us together is wearing thin.  

We had good times - and unfortunately, some not-so-good times.

**

That ugly action is taking you away - away where you don’t necessarily want to go.  You might even end up in the landfill (I used to call it ‘the dump’).  That’s not a fitting place for somebody as sweet and colorful as you.  Dang, that darn wind!!

Goodbye, my leaves. May you go into a compostable pile that can be used to enrich the soil next year.  And, I will be barren - and naked - until spring.  And then my new children will make me happy.  

*****

As we go through fall into winter, we have a lot ahead of us.  Three big “feasts” - Halloween (if that is a ‘feast”), Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  (And even Oktoberfest)

Frank Sinatra sang this:

Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December
But the days grow short; when you reach September
When the Autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
One hasn't got time for the waiting game

Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few - September, November

And these few precious days - I'll spend with you

These precious days - I'll spend with you

*****

Fall is almost here.  Maybe we can call it “Autumn.”  Let us enjoy this beautiful season.

FALL JOKES AND PUNS

• Go big or gourd home.

• Life's a beach, then you pie.

• Be-leaf in yourself!

• Gonna have a gourd time tonight.

• All for one and one for fall!

• I feel gourd! I know that I would now.

• Orange you glad fall is here?

• Oh my gourd-ness, it's autumn!

• Only gourd vibes.

• Fall in a day's work.

• Fall bets are off.

• I'm in complete disbe-leaf!

• The pie's the limit.

• Sweater safe than sorry.

• Pumpkin spice and everything nice

• Pumpkin spice up your life!

• You truly a-maize me!

• This maze is going to be a piece of spice cake.

• My favorite fall outfit is a har-vest.

*****

I remember my grandfather raking leaves to the street and then burning them.  I’d like to jump into the pile of leaves.  He would gently scold me (but I knew he jumped into piles of leaves as a kid).  

Of course, you could rake the leaves into piles and fill the garden trash bags.  You’d be sure to shake the bag so the leaves settled a little so you could get more in.  When they were about 3 or 4, I would put a grandchild into a bag to smash the leaves down a little).  Those leaves can make great compost if put into a protected spot (with no other garbage). 

*****

HAPPY FALL!!

Karen White