The whole day was partly cloudy, and we were treated to one of the most colorful sunsets yet this year. The trees are reaching their peak of color, too. In only a few days, the walnut tree has gone from green to a dozen shades of yellow, gold and brown. Across the street, the dogwoods are now a brilliant, deep red. The oaks have lost more than half their foliage, and what remains is mostly a rich golden brown. The rapidly yellowing mulberry leaves now drop to the lawn in increasing numbers. Just when the supply of daylight grows short, the falling leaves bring more work. But I enjoy the sound of rakes in the dusk. It's a fair trade.
Night is scented with wood smoke which (as a result of holiday-related associations, I suppose) makes me think of pumpkin pies. Pumpkin pies, in turn, make me think of pecan pies, which make me think of pralines, which make me think of sweet port served with cheese and nuts, which makes me wonder why I'm thinking about food. I had a huge baked potato with dinner, and I'm nothing remotely resembling hungry. Sugar, though.... It's a good thing there's nothing for dessert in the house. This is surely one of those moments when I'd be foolish enough to eat it.