September 8

It may have been 100 degrees out today, but there are still little signs that my favorite time of year --pumpkin season!-- is approaching.

Although it's not terribly uncommon around these parts to see the odd colored leaf all throughout the year, there are definitely more of them turning up now. Even though we won't see the brilliant reds, yellows, oranges, purples and pinks that I was accustomed to seeing when I was growing up back east, I find pinches of nostalgia in each and every one I see. It's like I can smell the hot cocoa and cider and feel the brisk breeze whisking across my skin on a cool afternoon.

So for the little leaves --and for the memories-- I'm grateful.