Over the past several months, I've stared in amazement at some of the beautiful fall scenes pictured on blogs across the Internet. God, the decorator, has been busy.
There is very little I love more than a tree dressed in its crimson robe or colorful leaves blanketing the ground. Both make my heart smile.
But we live in Florida, where there are only subtle changes in the seasons. It’s not that we don’t have a fall; you just have to know where to look.
Sometimes, a person can be too distracted by the beauty of the sunrise on the water to see fall’s arrival in Florida. We have a lot of water down here… rivers, lakes, creeks, oceans, gulfs, marshes, springs, underground caverns, swimming pools, and bays.
But observe closely. First, there’s the slightest hint of cool in the air and a softening of the light that’s almost imperceptible .
And when you look up into a perfectly blue Florida sky and see the Golden Rain Tree silhouetted there, you know for a fact that fall has arrived.
And when you look down, you see a wonderful gift. That same tree has laid a carpet of yellow petals at its feet, just for you.
Another hint that fall has arrived is the change in the vines that grow in abundance here in our very own Garden of Eden. Vines are very social creatures. They wrap their arms around their friends.
And sometimes come calling with orange flowers.
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And strange and wonderful bean-like pods.
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The Virginia Creeper changes its standard green uniform to that of a vibrant rust hue.
It’s sometimes joined by the purple blush of Beauty Berries in their finery.
One definite sign of fall is the flash of orange and blue if Gators are to your liking.
Or the glory of gold accented by garnet if you prefer the infinitely superior Seminoles. ;-)
When all is said and done...
I love Florida and its own unique fall with all my heart.
And I wouldn’t trade God’s décor for anything. After all, the best things in life are free. :-)
The two ocean photos are courtesy of our nephew Phillip and his girlfriend Leigh. The cross is near the site of what is believed to be the founding of St. Augustine and the first mass celebrated by Pedro Menendez and his company on September 8, 1565. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States.
The photo of the FSU Helmet is courtesy of the Official Online FSU Seminole Shop, and various size helmets are available online at http://fsu.teamfanshop.com/Default.aspx
The photo of the Gator Helmet is courtesy of the Gator Shop. The helmet is available online at http://www.gatorshop.com/
Quintessentially yours,
Mrs. Magpie (Sheila)
