The Columnist Manifesto

Even a clock that doesn't run will have the right time twice a day. Somehow, that aphorism seems to fit the climatic situation in My Home Town this Fall. The world climate may be going all to hell due to global warming. And we had a drought here this year. But for this year, the combination of climate conditions have made Fall just right.


This tree's colors peaked three weeks ago, and it's now bare of leaves.
But lots of other trees have stepped up to take its place.


Usually, Spring and Fall around here are short "shoulder seasons" to the very long, cold winter and very long, hot summer. This year, however, we're having a real Fall, a long, langorous, vivid fall. The temperature is gradually getting colder, but in that pleasant brisk way -- no winter coats yet.



And the colors. In years past, it has always seemed like you had to take a day trip to the country to "see the fall colors." This year, the countryside has been kind of dull and brown. The vivid colors have been right here on my neighborhood streets.



Best of all, we're not having the usual unison green-to-whatever color change, followed by the universal leaf-drop, for a 2-3 week fall color display. It's as if the trees have gotten together and decided to produce a carefully orchestrated sequence of staggered color changeovers that's now in its sixth week with no end in sight. I've never seen such a long-lasting display of brilliant fall colors. I may never see it's like again. I'm enjoying it while it lasts.



Above : carefully-timed, staggered color changes. Below: the tree in the foreground
is still solid green.