#Middlebury #Leaves
By BRIDGET HENRY
Here we are somewhere in the middle of another fall season and I am once again in the middle of trying to decide whether or not I still like fall. Of course, it is impossible not to admire the beauty of the changing scenery that comes with living in New England during this time of year. And, as I drive past Fenn Pond and along Judd Hill Road, I cannot help but appreciate how gorgeous our picture-postcard town looks as the leaves change color. The landscape around us is truly spectacular.
Eventually, my drive takes me back home and I turn the car into my driveway. The scenery here is suddenly so much less spectacular and the word “landscape” takes on a whole new meaning. Those deep reds and striking oranges that look incredible on the trees around town now stare at me from the ground. They are wet and heavy and practically begging to be raked. All I can see now is a spectacular amount of work.
As a lifelong New Englander, I am used to the changing seasons. And for the most part, I have always loved that part of life in Connecticut. But, as my own seasons have changed, I’ve noticed my feelings for the seasons have changed as well. Take the winter for instance. According to my childhood calculations, the very best of winters were directly related to the number of school cancellations. More snow equaled more canceled school and that always added up to an excellent winter.
But now, with a home to heat and a driveway to shovel I have been forced to do some new calculations. It turns out, that by all accounts, the best winters are now indirectly related to the number of times I have to touch my thermostat. It is simple math, really. As the oil deliveries increase, my childhood love for the winter (as well as my bank account) steadily decreases. Bills add up, but my love for winter does not.
And so, here I stand in the middle of another seasonal crisis trying hard to hold onto my love of the fall. I love the football, the pumpkin spice coffee and my cozy fall wardrobe. I love the hot chocolate, the apple picking and of course, Thanksgiving. I am determined not to let these leaves and the responsibilities of home ownership rob me once again of some of the best things New England has to offer. I want and need to love the fall. I just don’t want to rake.
Suddenly, like leaves from a tree, inspiration falls upon me. I yell to my boys and tell them to get outside. I hand them each a rake and walk away. While I am certain their love for fall is now in question, I calmly preserve mine from the kitchen, wearing a cozy sweater, blissfully sipping a pumpkin coffee. Clearly a crisis has been averted.
Happy Fall Middlebury! I hope you find new ways to enjoy the changes that come with any season! As always, I am happy and grateful to be Somewhere in the Middle (of a seasonal crisis) with all of you.
