Signs of Autumn

Autumn is my favorite season. As I was driving home the other day, a Woolly Worm was making its way across the road and I thought, "Now there's a sign that it's Autumn!" And I realized that that was the perfect topic for a blog post - signs of Fall!

Woolly Worm caterpillars scurrying across the road as the bean fields are harvested.

Trees changing colors, some quite quickly; others more slowly.

Geese flying in V shapes.

Apples from local orchards for sale in the groceries.

The sound of corn and beans being harvested.

The grass looking dry and less lush.

Flocks of migrating birds perched on telephone wires as they take a break from their flight.

Local festivals in small towns that celebrate the change in seasons.

The annual "How much snow will we get this winter?" conversations and predictions begin.

The sound of dry leaves skittering across the pavement as the wind blows.

General Conference.

People wearing quilted vests, sweaters, and jackets.

The chattering sounds of Sandhill Cranes high in the sky as they migrate south.

Pumpkins, carved and uncarved, appearing on porches.

Fleabane having its last hurrah.

Weaker sunlight in the late afternoon and early shadows as night comes on earlier.

Driving to school in the dark again.

The smell of burning leaves wafting through the air.

The sharp coolness of a chilly morning.

A golden tone to the daylight.

The stars more sharply defined against the night sky.

Quieter evenings as more and more crickets are silenced.

Watching the weather forecast to see if I finally need to bring my houseplants indoors for the winter.

The first frost.