It may have been noticed that Autumn around Warsaw, Ill., this year has been fleeting — lasting but a day or two this year with all the leaves just about fallen to the ground now and temperatures hovering just above freezing during some nights.
The leaves on trees turned to peak colors in the blink of an eye last week and it was but one day really, Veterans Day, that residents and visitors had a chance to take in their glory — by the afternoon on Nov. 11 they were all but done, on the ground, or scooped up by lawn mowers and avid rakers. Some of the leaves made it to a ditch for a controlled burn and others blew endlessly across Warsaw roads and yards — each leaf glorious, venerable — like the American flags that lined Main Street recently, which have since been packed up for another time. Autumn reminds us of the changing of season — the change of time in our lives — a need to rearrange our wardrobes, a need to prepare our properties and our lives for the onslaught of winter. It brings with it the smells of pumpkin pie, homecooked meals, cider drinks, and hot toddies. Kids start wearing warm mittens and hats — the morning frost catches our breath and crisp air makes our eyes water and bites our cheeks. Autumn sets the stage for all things we share and do for the traditions held during the holiday season to come.
