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An Ode to Summer

Webster's defines the autumnal equinox as the time when the sun crosses the equator on or about September 22, making night and day of equal length in all parts of the earth.

We call it an end of summer.

There will still be wonderful sunsets on Lake Mitchell, but the lovely blue water will soon be cool and uninviting.

Fishing certainly will continue long after those summer sunsets cease, but the time for "Captain Gwendolyn" to steer the boat and cast a line into the water ended on a recent post Labor Day weekend trip.

Now, the dock has been pulled out and the pontoon "shrink-wrapped" and stored away for another season.

Walks along Charlevoix's lighthouse pier will be as enjoyable as always, but the warm breezes that melt ice cream cones of little grandchildren will blow strong and cold from the north.

Time is running short for Jack and Ella to join Mom on the "big slide" at the lighthouse beach, waiting for the Emerald Isle to make its way across Lake Michigan from nearby Beaver Island. For awhile yet, the white boat with its green Shamrocks will ferry day-trippers to and from the island - very few, however, will wave from the boat's deck. Better to stay inside the warm and cozy cabin.

No doubt, ice cream will be made in the new White Mountain freezer whether it's 90 degrees outside or minus-9, but it will not be churned on the backyard deck by Caleb - and it won't be "birthday" ice cream for a little three-year-old boy.

Farewell to long summer days and peaceful twilight skies - and, welcome Fall.
We eagerly await the change of seasons - leaves turning red and gold in the autumn sunshine; cool, crisp 'sweater weather' air; homemade chili bubbling on the stove.
Summer is wonderful, but fall is still my favorite time of year.

On this September 22 morning, rain beats a steady rhythm on the deck outside - a lovely, calming sound.

A harvest moon rising huge and orange over Lake Cadillac singles the end of a season.
The autumnal equinox is here.