ECONOGAL

Year after year, changing seasons bring changing routines. Midway through Fall, temperatures range from the mid-twenties to the low eighties. Thus, some days are summerlike, and others bring hints of winter.

Naturally, routines change. At least for those not working 9-to-5 jobs or attending school. This retiree is shifting daily routines.

I do not use alarm clocks daily. Instead, the Eastern sky signals when it is time to wake. During the summer, daylight comes early. Very early. But with the changing seasons, the length of the day also changes. In the Fall, the nights are getting longer. The mornings arrive later and my body adapts. Of course, the invention of Daylight Saving’s time messes with this natural change. Probably why I dislike changing the clocks.

Since frost occurs on a regular basis, there is no early gardening. Instead, I putter around the house doing light chores. The hobby room beckons, and noon can arrive without a single step outdoors.

I fell in love with Fall during college. New England is glorious in October and November. From brilliant reds to awesome oranges the harmony of the colors brings a sensation of peace.

The High Plains may not be known for leaf watching, but beauty is everywhere. Walks around my neighborhood yield colors from the bright yellows of the cottonwoods to the gorgeous spectrum of reds found in the fruitless pear trees. And early afternoons are perfect for walks. Not too cold, not too hot. Goldilocks would be pleased.

Leaves cover the ground. Raking emerges as a daily chore. A short-lived routine.

Warm afternoons quickly turn cool as night falls. Too cold to sit on the back porch after supper. Instead, books are read and occasionally television is watched. Hand quilting accompanies the T.V. watching. Sewing and crafting replace the time spent in the garden.

The daily routines adapt to the changing seasons. And it is important to stop and reflect on the beauty of our current season. Quoting Charles Dickens ( A favorite classic writer):

Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of it’s own…