Autumn is my favorite season. I had forgotten about it since Tucson doesn't really have autumn. We went to a pumpkin patch last year the day before Halloween and it was 95 degrees outside. Beyond the pumpkin patch stretched miles and miles of brown, scrubby hills. All the vendors were selling frozen lemonade, not hot cider. I think that was the beginning of the end for Tucson and me.
Now, autumn in Ithaca, in pictures:
A composting bin, at a public event (the Apple Festival). I'm used to recycling bins in public areas because I grew up with it. But composting? Wow. Most of the food vendors had signs hanging near their menus that said "Everything you get from me can be composted." Impressive.
This little guy is hanging out at one end of The Commons. I need to find the explanatory plaque or something so I know what the heck he is doing there.
At the Apple Festival, there were a few performances by local belly dancers, some of whom were aged white ladies. My two main competing feelings were 1) embarrassment on the dancers' behalf, and 2) absolute awe of their skills and bravery. I think the latter feeling eventually won out.
These are the leaves we collected on a walk in the forest today.
Autumn, I've missed you. It's good to have you back again.