re: #3 CuriousLurker

Yikes. I love autumn & spring, but, yeah, autumn is kind of a harbinger of death, a reminder of life’s transience, that our time here is limited.

At 50+ I feel like I’m in the autumn of my existence, but I feel no fear or rancor towards that fact—it’s part of the natural cycle that all living things, without exception, must submit to. Were it not for nature’s riotously colored, bittersweet farewell spectacle each year, there would be little room (or appreciation) for the glorious bursting forth of new life & hope that spring’s abundance brings,

Absolutely. It’s almost as if I have had the opportunity to witness Blazing Autumns and outright incendiary Fall moments in numerous valleys, mountains and hillsides and that I got only to the point of seeing the signs of winter closing in. It’s my private joke. Tour buses to see…….. Dying leaves and squirrels tirelessly stuffing every last nut under the soil. Flaming Fall Foliage Festivals make small towns a lot of money. I do appreciate the seasons but having had to work in the elements and drive long distances through the elements regardless of conditions I say the elements are a bit more dicey as Fall wears on. But…..If there was no ice and snow, how would you know Spring. I’m older than you and I no longer have to work outdoors until my mouth can’t form words and my Vibram soled boots sound like I have taps on them. Now I breathe easier. Snow is lovely when you can stay home.