Autumn Leaves

As the leaves' color turns from green to shades of yellow, red and brown, the classic song, "Autumn Leaves," drifts through my mind. Actually, it's getting rather annoying ... the song, not the leaves.

My daily walks are punctuated with the colors of fall and the aroma of leaves as they make this transition from summer green vibrancy to autumn hues.

I found some new glimpses of fall when I went to the dentist. Yes, it seems an unlikely place for an autumn reverie. However, I wish I could have taken a photo of a squirrel that was just outside the window: I was otherwise occupied with my mouth pried open at the time.

The dental trip involved a new crown and a hefty bill. But, I decided I'd cheer myself up with a visit to the Dillon Nature Center in Hutchinson.

And, as the credit card commercial goes, that part of the trip was priceless.

The trees were just beginning to turn, so I'd love to return in a couple of weeks.

But it was a beautiful day, just enough nip in the air for a sweater as I wandered the grounds at the nature center.

This quote from Eric Sloane was perfectly illustrated:

A few days ago, I walked along the edge of the lake
and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves
with each step I made.
The acoustics of this season are different,
and all sounds, no matter how hushed,
are as crisp as autumn air.

And, just so I'm not alone with the acoustics of a song that won't leave my head, here's Nat King Cole's version of the classic "Autumn Leaves." Enjoy!