Fall Naps and Garden Debris

photo by Jessamyn Harris http://www.jessamynharris.com/

It's Fall...time for napping!

Autumn comes and the napping is easy. Due to the vagaries of weather, I suddenly notice the light tilting more sharply through the trees. Earlier sunsets catch me off guard. There is more difficulty getting up when the alarm sounds...beds seem so comfy.

Catching a snooze on the hammock, with the last of the warm sunshine fluttering down through the apple leaves, (only 1 little green and red apple left) I hear the singing of the American Robin, who is bob, bob, bobbin' along. I didn't know they were around this late in the year.

We all know the bears are thinking about hibernating. They certainly know winter is imminent. They are slowing down, seeking dark deep dens. They will give birth and clean up babies as if comatose. Some frogs snuggle deep under the mud so as to remain unfrozen. Opossum babies get too curious and too heavy to hang onto mom and ta! da! they're on their own.

The populace of the great American Prairies digs out the storm windows and snow shovels to get through the approaching winter weather, puts away the summer wardrobe and drags out the bulky warm jackets. Boots are on sale big time at Macy's and probably at the home supply stores, too.

Daylight Savings Time ends abruptly, just in time for the Halloween trick or treaters to traipse around in the dark. Arrival at work must be prompt, no matter that the sun does not rise. Deadlines must be met no matter that my circadian brain balks. (isn't a cicadia a cricket? I must have an insect brain.

Bedtime isn't as early anymore. Today we burn the electricity and gas as if "we're supporting PG&E" (Gramps) and can't see the stars for the masses of street lamps and stor lights, but the primitive brain knows what time it is.

For bedtimes in the 1950's my grandmother would break int o song: "Goooooooood niiiiight Ireeeeeeene, Goodnight Irene, Good night Irene, Goodnight Irene, I'll see you in my dreams." We'd climb in bed altogether, my sister, me and Mamaw, let the dark close our eyes, let the sheets slowly warm under the thick down paisley comforter.

Napping will ease the weariness, but smart bears have put on the fat, eating most of their life away in summer. As they prepare for hibernation I can hear them call..."We're planning to rest this winter, let us show you how."