While each of the seasons has its unique beauty, events, and tone, I love fall most of all.
Fall is when I first came to New England (Boston to be specific) to go to college as a 17 year old freshman. I happened upon the Highland Park section of Roxbury and used to visit the small library located in the Parish Hall behind the First Church in Roxbury Even though the Dillaway-Thomas House in John Eliot Square had not yet been remodeled and was boarded up, there was a grand stateliness and history to the buildings and to nearby Dudley Station that bustled with people and businesses – many long gone – that spoke to my heart.
I eventually completed college at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont just outside of Montepelier. Vermont is a grand state for someone who loves the striking colors of fall and mountains. I tasted real maple syrup for the first time in Vermont and have used it ever since.
Walking in historic John Eliot Square
Walking along the brick sidewalks on Roxbury Street on my way to a meeting for Discover Roxbury recently, I made a feeble attempt to dodge acorns falling furiously from the trees. (It was as if an army of squirrels was taking aim at all human targets.) As I walked, I noticed the lengthening shadows of the tree and buildings and the crispness of the fall air. “Ahhhh,” I thought, fall has come. Autumn has arrived.
Fall is a perfect time for walking because I get warmed up and remain cool at the same time.
Bustling-Hustling
Fall bustles with events, so many to choose from, and students – arriving and returning in droves at the many educational institutions for which Boston is known.
Politics
Fall is the season for elections – last year’s historic Presidential race – and this year’s never-a-dull-moment local mayoral election as Mayor Menino defends himself against the one-two punch of the Flaherty-Yoon team. When voting in the city election primary I realized that for the first time I remember, I could have only voted for candidates of color if I so chose. The times and Boston are a-changing. The election to replace Senator Ted Kennedy is underway with his successor not predictable and a healthy field of candidates running. Ditto for the Governor’s race, where our first Black governor faces a fierce competition. Massachusetts politics – more lively this year than it has been in a while.
The Leaves
I like the carpet of color–rich fall leaves blanketing lawns and sidewalks and forming crunchy borders on the sides of the roads (when they are dry). I am even happy to rake them.
Apples
I like apple-picking and look forward to a return to visiting apple orchards when my granddaughter comes to visit so I can start a new tradition with her that has been suspended since her mom and uncle were youngsters.
Pumpkins
This fall I will once again don the porch steps with fat pumpkins, crossing fingers that this year, like most years but not last year, they’ll be left alone. I’ve already perched the fall wreath on the front door. (Perhaps I’ll make a scare crow to perch on the porch rail. That’ll scare the pumpking nabbers!) I’ll also catch, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” when it airs on TV as I’ve done almost every year since my children were young.
Trick or Treat, Smell my Feet, Give Me something Good to Eat!
I’ve been collecting coupons for Halloween candy which I’ll start buying this weekend, making sure to get mostly candy I don’t like, since fewer and fewer children ring the door with each passing year. I would hate to think of the tummy and toothache I would get if I were to eat the leftovers myself!
Fall Food
In fall I buy apple cider, make apple cake, and prepare dishes with pumpkin, butternut and acorn squash.. I didn’t grow up eating squash in the ‘Lou and have only come to enjoy it in the past few years. It’s delicious, nutritious, and thrifty!
Fall is also the season of the annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival – being held on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center in Roxbury.
I could go on and on but you get the point!
Each season has its reason, but I like fall best of all!