November 8, 2026

By Arthur H. Gunther III

thecolumnrule.com

It is that time of year again, is it not? At least in parts of the U.S. Draw up the bed covers. In this section of the Northeast, the Lower Hudson River Valley, falling leaves are the tickler for seasonal change. Your walk becomes a carpet of color, kids kick the leaves, and property owners rake them or call the landscaper.

The association too – the leaves, the briskness in the air, the morning chill that invites a hot drink – reminds you of high school football back in the day, especially in smaller communities where local sports is a rallying call for neighborliness.

Into the closet we go, or the attic, to retrieve warmer clothing. My recall is a young woman reunited with her comfortable coat as if meeting an old friend. Her smile as bright as the buttons. Reassurance in that, as is seasonal change. Something to count on.

Over on the South Mountain in these parts, colder wind into the valley where apple and other fruit trees nod at each other, soon to near-hibernate after a good summer season. Old farm houses signal with rising chimney smoke in Hallmark fashion.

As put by one former resident of such a home, one in place on the family farm for generations: “I remember so many days and nights in my old home.  Felt comforted being surrounded by the coziness of its warmth via steam-heat radiators and fireplaces.”

Leaves that in spring began a promise to shade us in summer now provide a red carpet (yellow, brown, other colors too) as we walk into fall and then winter. Life cycles.

The writer is a retired newspaperman (guntherart12@gmail.com).

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