It's that time of year when we begin the slow and steady slide to winter. The past six mornings have all been in the 40's but one. Tuesday morning (10/06) dipped to 38° and gave me reason to check for frost. But there was none.
My personal records for frost go back to 1974. After 51 years of watching for the first frost, the average date here is 10/09. That's tomorrow ... but there's no chance of frost then this year.
This morning dipped to 46° and I'm finding a hoodie is a good addition when I step out the door. I'm wearing shorts but my legs don't seem to get cold.
7:46 am
The sun rose this morning at about 7:39 am so as I walked out my driveway I saw the sun still on the horizon. Sunset will get a minute or two later every morning and pass 8 am on 10/28.
It's a perfectly quiet time but for an occasional car passing.
7:55 am
Nine minutes later I have dropped the morning newspaper off at my neighbors and I am starting back out her lane. She gets the Dayton Daily News on Sunday, Thursday and Friday and I always make sure she has it first thing every day.
8:01 am
I'm now partway out the lane and enjoying the sun getting ever higher and bathing the corn in its golden light. I'm expecting the corn to be harvested soon and then my corridor of privacy will be taken from me.
By the way, I watch every morning this time of year for my shadow to line up with a massive tree in her lane. I can usually see my dark profile there on this date. But the corn has to be harvested before the sun hits the tree so I may not have the view this year. Check here to see what I'm talking about.
By the time I'm back home I'm a little chilled but the exercise has awakened me for the day. It's a special time for me, and one I enjoy year-round but for when it's raining hard or the snow is deep enough.
At 77 I'll miss this when I can no longer do it. But for now it's the start of every day and nothing would seem right without it.
