Day 4: November 4, 2013

Black Bob Road

The weather here in the midwest has been anything but typical.  We had snow in May… severe drought in the spring… and lately, torrential rain for days on end.

Normally our fall leaves are colorful, but this year, they are spectacular!  Bright scarlet, orange, and yellow adorn the trees rather than our typical subdued variety that quickly turn brown.

There is one major street in our hometown that is lined with mature trees.  I travel this road at least twice a day and in the spring I am always amazed how quickly the view transforms from stark brown to budding green.  It signals to me the beginning of warmer temperatures, which means the winter coats, sweaters and scarves can be packed away.

In the fall, the street is my barometer that winter is coming.  Again, the trees seem to magically transform from full branches of dark green to thinning tops of vibrant color.  It literally takes my breath away each time I drive the ten blocks.  For me, this is the start of the holiday season.  Nature's beauty gives way to a day of thanksgiving and then the festive light displays of the holiday season.  It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year!