First hints of autumn

We've just had a one of the most beautiful Septembers I can imagine. Sunny skies, occasional over night showers, a few foggy mornings (but they were lovely!) mostly in the 60s and 70s -- what more could anyone want? Now it is the last day of September and the air has had a nip, a morning asking for a light sweater.  That's exactly as it should be.

Granddaughter Cori just sent a photo of Stella sporting one of the first partially colored maple leaves of the season. A great-grandmother has every right to say, what could be more charming? 

I love the "sweater weather". This is what the head of the Chamber of Commerce, in an interview on the radio yesterday called "the shoulder season." And that I call the season of the leaf-peeper buses trundling through town. A last opportunity for local businesses to make more sales, a chance for visitors to enjoy our beautiful blue skies, our seashores, the Cape Coddy trinkets in the stores and the seafood in the restaurants.  The irksome hordes of tourist autos, slowing traffic, making left turns difficult and parking spaces scarce, are mostly gone. The school buses are slowing early morning and mid-afternoon traffic -- and that's exactly as it should be. Over and over I hear people saying, "This is my favorite season" Yes, I
think it's mine too.