Autumn in Seattle

...the air is crisp and cool. It smells of freshly fallen leaves, pumpkins, apples, grapes, and rain. Everywhere you go people have donned boots, scarves, thick jackets (but not yet winter coats), and colorful umbrellas. Coffee is always a staple in Seattle, but its consumption has increased dramatically during the entrance of autumn, if for no other reason than to have something warm to wrap cold fingers around. The temperature fluctuates between the mid-30's and mid-50's with a couple of frosty mornings here and there. Last night brought the first dusting of snow. People will stay off the roads this morning, but the snow will all be melted by evening.

Baking has become a delightful pastime for many, and muffins, cookies, and gingerbread have begun appearing on family tables and in neighbor's cupboards. The scents of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon waft through the air. 

Fires are lit in fireplaces and heaters are turned on. Golden, red, orange, and brown leaves drop to the ground, leaving bare branches exposed for the next three or four months. The evergreens flaunt their ever green boughs, promising to keep refreshing color in the scenery along the way. Dark falls earlier, making 4:30pm feel like 7:30pm and 7pm feel like the deepest of night watches. Strong breezes blow through the trees. Houses are shut up tight and cozy against the wind, for the air is crisp and cool...