“I am struck by the simplicity of light in the atmosphere in the autumn, as if the earth absorbed none, and out of this profusion of dazzling light came the autumnal tints.”
                            ~ Henry David Thoreau
Excitement is in the air! Autumn is here with its rich colors and ever-changing nature.  Thoreau’s impassioned words reflect these. Look around … it is everywhere. Feel the weather … one day it’s in the 70s and the next it rises to well over 100 degrees. Monday thundershowers brought humidity and a few quick raindrops to the foothills. Clearing skies revealed their deep blue color, only offered at this time of year.

It is often said, “Southern California has no seasons.” Personal experience reveals this to be an unjust assumption. I’ll explain.

One morning last weekend while out on our front porch reading the newspaper, a single yellow leaf caught my eye as it drifted downward and landed right in my coffee mug! It shouted, “Autumn is here!”

During the afternoon of the same day, I headed to the backyard. Here a myriad of “seasonal evidence” was gathered and observed. It was harvest time! Our two oak and two pine trees have dropped an abundance of acorns and pinecones. The squirrels, raccoons, possums, skunks, birds and even the Golden and Corgi were eager – if not greedy – as they collected the bounty. Nevertheless their interactions were delightful and completely entertaining. Amidst the chattering and barking, I was able to pick this year’s crop of 15 (half Peck) Fuji apples; all were picture-perfect and delicious. Due to late planting, our tomatoes are still green. The so-called Thompson seedless grapes (really a small purple and tart variety) had already been harvested – by what God only knows. At least something enjoyed them!

In the evening of the same day, an ominous Harvest moon rose in the eastern sky. Now just an awesome sight, years ago farmers (including those in the Crescenta Valley) took full advantage of its light. Moonlit fields allowed for harvesting into the night; with winter approaching, time was critical. So, shine on! Next year an eclipse occurs during our Harvest moon.

Hold onto your hats! Winds, triple-digit temperatures and elevated fire danger are coming and predicted to continue into next week…

Hot, beautiful autumn.

Weather Lore: The Three Days of September (21, 23, & 24) rule the weather for October, November and December.

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick