For a while now I have driven the roads of this country and watched the subtle changes fall brings. Life goes on and with it comes changes that are inevitable. Back in September I moved back south to where I came from 10 years ago. There are many advantages of being in Florida, but the disadvantages are lengthy too. Some things that I looked forward to will be missed. September always brought the corn and beans turning brown in the fields, almost unnoticed at first. But then the combines would start blocking the highways and the fields would go bare one by one as the harvest made it to the silo's. A side benefit of this is the Deer, some sporting the racks they have spent a few months growing are now mostly out of velvet and seen against the woodlines as the sun slides down each day, no longer able to hide behind the stalks. Springfield, Tennessee was one of the places I did lots of business and along about this time the Tobacco would start coming out of the fields and heading for the drying barns. All sealed up and smoking from the hardwood fires kept barely smoldering giving the smoke that seasons it so well, and sticks in your sinuses. And I can't forget the Maples. Best I remember these were the first to change their color and my favorites for their brilliance. The gold, orange and bright reds make it difficult to not be distracted by the sight of them in groups. I always referred to the hillsides as coming on fire as they change into their fall face. The temperature has now begun to drop, mostly at night and as we head to work in the morning. Long pants become the norm, flannels put up for the summer again appear, and the hint of pink in the cheeks of those that have been out for awhile. The fish start to make their changes to a different place of favor and become a challenge to find as the fronts come and go. The produce stands have had the pumpkins of Halloween come and go as October slides by and are starting to put up the signs saying that they thank everyone for their business and look forward to seeing them next year. But along with the move came a change in what I do every day. No longer do I roam several hundred miles a day. Home for dinner is an every day thing.
As you can tell the fall season is my favorite. Here it is almost Thanksgiving and I haven't even dug out a winter jacket, not even a sweatshirt. I fished yesterday in shorts and a t-shirt and was there just after daylight. Leaves are still green with no hint of change, produce stands are still in full swing. Oranges dominate here where apples were the mainstay of the locals. Beachwear is seen more than flannel, flip flops instead of boots, tans instead of a hint of pink. If I was to say I didn't miss the changes as the hillsides develop their winter face I would be a liar. But there are family here to be thought of and enjoyed that make the whole thing worth it. The one thing Tennessee was lacking was family ties. With Thanksgiving around the corner I look forward to the first time in a long time to be surrounded by brothers, daughters, and granddaughters. Even the in-laws some fuss about are a welcome thing. I'm already thinking of all I need to remember when the blessing is said before the meal. I have so many that I don't want to forget any or be too longwinded. After all, folks be hungry.
I write this with a sincere wish that this upcoming holiday be one to remember. I know it will be for me.
God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving everyone. And go get some big, fat crappie as an early Christmas present.
