This morning, in a freak act of nature, as Stretch spread himself along the back of the couch in order to observe all in his Kingdom, a sudden and rather lengthy hailstorm exploded from puffy silver-grey clouds. It came straight down and cars zipped along faster than they should've, trying to escape any possible damage. Upon closer expection after the worst of the outburst, Stretch and I measured the hail as being healthy pea-sized -- no doubt 'twould've smacked hard and hurt anyone caught outside! =o

Then the shaded grey clouds zipped along, rushing toward the mountains that separate us from Wyoming / Colorado. Good riddance, Stretch says, as he languidly arranges himself along the top of the couch's back again. Nothing must disturb his morning snooze ... that is, until the mailman comes.

Then he charges about madly, announcing to all within, that his pal, the mailman has arrived. Quite the character, that one! But we're so used to his routine I doubt we'd be able to get the mail in anymore without his lil' antics.

Touch of Fall

Today I woke to what one of the local radio personalities describes as "severe clear" - close your eyes and picture it: a bright turquoise-blue, cloudless sky that abounds as far as one's eyes can behold. Cutting through the brightness was an occasional small plane, anxious to get in some flying time on this gorgeous day. My tree has received its notice to change.

Mid-week Stretch and I caught glimpses of apple yellow leaves; as of this morning, the summer green began rescinding, leaving more vivid "limeyr" (new word, sorry Webster.) shades in its leafy canopy. By noon, my tree sported branches of pale gold, leaving its fan club (me) longing to see it in its finest - - a lovely, pale Golden-Delicious apple yellow canopy gown.

Stretch has also noticed the air contains a briskness and invites / taunts me to a game of tag. He outruns me every time; he is lightning fast and sports boundless energy!

The day was made perfect when we stopped and picked out a half-bushel of our seasonal favorites - - Golden Delicious Apples at a local roadside stand. Always, the first weekend of October, my parents and I would head out for an enjoyable drive south of the state capitol , on our annual pilgrimage for crisp, juicy apples. It was such fun to have accomplished / set our own tradition as we brought home our new stash of sweet apples!

Now, all I need is to look our my window and admire nature's glorious colors and sit under my tree's golden yellow canopy amid shaded gold leaves underfoot.

ahhh ... It seems fall has finally arrived!