Fall

For those outside of the tropics, seasons matter. At about 42 degrees north of latitude, we mark well the time that the sun sets at the north pole. From that moment a day or so from now, we bid goodbye to summer's southwesterly breezes and get out the coats and hats that will shield us from cold northwesterly winds.
Indeed, as anticipated below, a few days ago we received light, scattered frosts in the area. The yield of our plum tomatoes has dropped, although many green ones hang on the vines awaiting a warmer week or two to ripen. Or not.
The daylight time for our chores and leisure have shortened, and evenings on the deck require hats and coats. Still, we look forward to the traditionally brilliant weeks before Columbus Day, when our fall colors peak before we pass into the cold rains and flurries of November grays.