Frost is on the pumpkin

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here
Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees
And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees
But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

 September is always a pleasant time in the Northwest Corner.  Sometimes, even early October.  But the transition from the warmth of summer to the rains of autumn generally is fairly rapid.  Lines scribbled by an Indiana poet -- and rapturous descriptions of New England  -- give us the impression that Autumn with a "Capital A" is a bigger deal in other parts of our country.

Folks come to the Northwest for many reasons, but not generally to take tours admiring the changing colors of our autumn foliage.

Seattle Prep runners

But this year's been different.  We've had very little rain for weeks -- just enough to turn our lawns green once more.  Day after day we have had sunny days and chilly nights.  In the last week or two, each day has begun overcast or foggy, but with the sun appearing and blue sky emerging after noon.

University of Washington campus

With the recent improvements in the neighboring Arboretum, I've walked far more often in that park this year than in the past.  And how shall I put it?  I've been ravished by the splendor of the colors in the trees and shrubbery of the Arboretum this year.  Has it been this way every year?  Have I just not been observant?

Reflections and lily pads

I don't think so.  I think this has been an unusual year, with respect to our weather, and it has brought out unusually brilliant colors -- which of course look all the better against a background of atypically (for Seattle) blue sky.

In fact, nothing I saw in the Boston area a couple of weeks ago could compare.  Admittedly, however, they were still enjoying hot weather, and their autumn changes were only beginning.

But nothing lasts forever.  Overcast skies are predicted all day tomorrow and Wednesday, with the seasonal rains beginning on Thursday.  Just enough precip to drive any lingering Californians back home to their beaches, palm trees, and cactuses.