The Early Days of Color

Mighty Maple on August 25, 2012

I hinted to this in my last post, and hope to document this year's transition from summer to autumn in a series of photos, if I can remember to actually take pictures week to week! It is truly amazing how quickly I am seeing some trees begin to change colors. A week ago I spotted several areas of leaves turning yellow or orange, and now that may have spread to whole branches or even half of the tree already. Of course, peak foliage is still 5 weeks away, but by then some of these early turning trees will already be bare. Our mighty maple tree right here in our meadow has just a hint of color high, high up in the topmost branch. It is so huge that it will be a whole series of autumn colors at once because it takes so long for it to all happen. But it is absolutely gorgeous when it is that way.

The days are definitely shorter, and this morning it was only 50 out and we are about 75 right now, but that is still quite warm for this time of year. Two days ago it was nearly 90, and we still have another warm-up coming the end of the week. But the sky today is a radiant blue, the breeze is wonderful, and we shall enjoy these days to the fullest.

Another big change going on-most schools are back in session in the area. It was a crazy past weekend because it also saw the returning students to the 4 college campuses in Burlington. They're Back! The city takes on a completely different feel when it is packed with college students in these early days of the newest year. We see them wandering the streets, anxious and full of energy, and ready to take on the world. In the next few weeks the routines will resume, and it all begins to blend together and not be quite as noticeable. Plus, as the weather turns colder, they won't be a visible outdoors either. I did have a super Monday morning in the store talking to a wonderful woman about her 50th wedding anniversary, her oil lamp they've had for 25 years, and many other things. Turns out, she is Senator Patrick Leahy's wife, and the sweetest lady ever. It was quite enjoyable.

Now, once I get my photos uploaded, I will insert this weeks' photo of our Mighty Maple Tree!