What is it about the last week of October in Connecticut that is so gorgeous and bittersweet?
The warmth after the chill, the soft air after cold breezes, the greens, golds and reds and oranges of the leaves that blend perfectly like a well-rehearsed choir, becoming more brilliant before they are gone. I always wonder why the oaks trees lose their leaves last? Somehow every year right before Halloween, the earth gives us one more peek at springtime-just enough to hold us over until next April. It’s a tease, but a wonderful one.
The sunsets are amazing – with raspberry pinks and violet blues swirling in fuzzy stripes at twilight. For the last month we here in northeastern Connecticut have taken the brilliant natural display for granted. Now it is nearly over, and we remember to cherish it. Bringing in the plants from outside that can’t make it through the winter, mowing the lawn and raking the leaves, saying goodbye to the hummingbirds.
Yes, there are sports events, and apple cider and the holidays to anticipate. But right now, the mad rush of holidays has not begun. We can breathe for a moment, reflect on how fast the year has passed, and give thanks for the mini break from winter heating challenges.
My pony’s reddish coat is fuzzy – he is growing a wispy beard on his chin and furry “stockings” on his short legs. The cat hangs out on the back of the couch near the picture window soaking up the sun on her soft charcoal fur. I put a lawn chair out one last time to catch the slanting light in the late afternoon. Houses are decorated with cornstalks, pumpkins, ghostly spider webs and beautiful chrysanthemums in magenta, yellow and purple.
Chrysanthemums symbolize friendship, trust, joy, optimism, longevity and fidelity in the language…
