First Day of Autumn

 And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.

Oscar Wilde

Today, September 22, 2017, is the first day of the Autumn Equinox for us in the Northern Hemisphere. Right now in Michigan, the temperatures are over 90 degrees with added humidity for fun. Personally, the warmer weather does not inspire a fall like atmosphere.

Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy the warm week. But I remember my grandfather and others telling me that warmer fall days mean a harsh winter.

I guess time will tell.

Happy Fall!

Until next time…peace

Goodbye Summer…..Hello Fall

“Fall has always been my favorite season.

The time when everything bursts with its las beauty,

as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”

~Laura DeStefano~

 

Today, Thursday, September 22, 2016, is the first official day of autumn. While ushering in the fall season, the day marks the end of summer. I personally love this time of year. Even as a child, I just found the fall season fascinating.

The crisp fall air suddenly ushers in cooler nights. The sunsets occur earlier, bringing perfect weather for stargazing and bonfires.

 

Sunset in Michigan
Michigan Sunset

 

The local football season is in full swing. Pumpkin spice is a major ingredient in various products. As the season slowly marches on, changing leaves bursts into vivid color across the Michigan landscape. Bringing one last moment of natural beauty before the blanket of winter engulfs the area.

Walking through nature, I can honestly view the signs of the wildlife preparing for the upcoming cold winter months. I love watching the squirrels and chipmunks gather acorns. The little critters scamper across the dirt paths in front of me. Of course, the chipmunks chatter loudly in my direction as if to tell me I am intruding on their personal space.

Chipmunks love to chatter.
Chipmunks love to chatter.

I try to enjoy these last moments of fall before winter brings nature to a quiet standstill.

Until next time….peace

Autumn–Day 1 Photo Challenge

The second November challenge I was asked to participate in is a photo of the day. Well, I was actually asked to participate in two of them. So, I am going to combine them and pick one from a list each day. I cannot do every challenge.

Day 1 – Autumn

I know I have mentioned this before but Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love the clear, crispness in the year and the last dash of color that Mother Nature has to offer, before the region is covered in snow.

Autumn is a gorgeous time of the year.
Autumn is a gorgeous time of the year.

First Day of Autumn

 

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Today, September 23, 2015 is the first official day of autumn. The Autumnal Equinox actually started around 4:20 this morning. Here in Michigan, I have been seeing the signs of the upcoming fall season for the last couple of weeks. I noticed over the weekend (I was photographing an outdoor wedding) that the sun was setting sooner. From my understanding, we are losing about 2-4 minutes of daylight a day. Just another sign from nature, the cooler months are about to be ushered in.

The leaves are starting to show their brilliant last burst of color as the reds and orange become more visible by the day.

I also love this time of year for the mushrooms. As I walk through the woods, the mushrooms are appearing throughout the paths and on the stumps. Mushrooms remind me of fairies. I could spend all day walking around day dreaming about  fantasy worlds. I love to photograph the mushrooms and fungus, and then return to my computer to write. The smallest sprouts sticking up through the ground or along a log can have the biggest impact on my imagination.

First time, I noticed this type of mushroom along the path. I need to research more to find the proper name.

The weather was actually perfect for the first official day of autumn. The sun was shining brightly all day with temperatures around 77˚F. The night has brought a clear crisper sky to view the moon and stars. I am hoping the clear skies will last; I want to be able to see the Supermoon this weekend.

I hope everyone had a great first day of autumn.

Until next time….peace