Autumn in Oklahoma

AUTUMN IN OKLAHOMA

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. "--George Eliot

This is the third autumn, or speaking American,"fall", which I've spent in Oklahoma. It's only the second fall in our present house, and the first when I've been able to fully enjoy my favourite season.

We have 4 very large old trees, Cottonwoods and Maples, in front and back yards here, many others adorn houses in our street and in the pasture and woodland just beyond the back of the house. In consequence all the joys of summer shade and autumn colour need to be paid for by a regular clearing of literally tons of leaves come November and December. This year's crop is more abundant than ever. We had a VERY hot summer with longterm drought conditions. Rather than harming the trees, these conditions seem to have encouraged leaves to cling on for longer, turning to luminous colours, and eventually descending in a multitude, seemingly all at one time.

Our nextdoor neighbour is very conscientious about his yards. I swear he has strong Virgo in his chart! He can be heard daily clearing the debris. No doubt he sighs heavily at the sight of the 2 big trees in front of our house, and the thick covering of leaves over our grass, which blow onto his neatly manicured lawn at regular intervals. We philosophically decide "Let's wait until ALL the leaves have fallen, then have a proper clean-up". I, however, eventually feel duty bound to go our and fill a bag each day, "just to show willing".

Last week we travelled across state to Talimena Drive, a scenic road across the Ouachita National Forest 'twixt Oklahoma and Arkansas on OK's eastern border. The roads we travelled were breathtakingly lovely, even before arriving at The Drive. Trees bordering the country highways at times looked more like giant flowers, glowing red, orange, yellow, brown, copper, and all shades between. The Drive itself was disappointing due to misty conditions, but a few breaks in the fog, allowed us to shoot a couple of photos (see one above).

American people love their "fall". From Halloween to Thanksgiving lots of porches and yards are adorned with bright orange pumpkins, bundles of wheat, ears of corn, and other symbolic items. It's as though Americans are determined to be optimistic, despite the dying year, the coming frosts, and messy leaves - they want to celebrate life. That's nice.

In Oklahoma, fall weather is mostly kind. The energy-draining heat of summer gives way to pleasantly warm days, crisp early mornings and evenings. Blue sky days outnumber those with heavy cloud cover, and when it rains, a few hours is the limit. Here, it really is possible to enjoy the autumn. In England, especially in the north, one has to be quick to catch fleeting glimpses of lovely autumn foliage. Wind and rain strip the trees bare in a matter of hours. Autumn in the north of England can be as short as one week. Here we can enjoy the season for much longer.

Astrologically we are in the time of Scorpio and Sagittarius. Deep introspection leading to a philosophical realisation that "life is good", spring will come again, as will summer, and yet another beautiful autumn. Time is turning exactly as it should, and all is right with the world.