It's a most wonderful time of year

Many people look upon the end of summer with a sigh of regret; sorry that the days for swimming, sunning and picnics have passed all too quickly.

As for me, I’m happy to put away wrinkly linen pants, thong sandals, sleeveless Ts and all-white accessories and welcome autumnal golds, greens, tans and brown; long sleeves, cardigan sweaters, jackets and cool breezes through open windows.

I love and am energized by fall. I feel excited by the resumption of a regular routine and by the menu of fall classes, exhibits, music and theatrical performances. How lovely to be able to plan without worrying if the weather will be hot and humid or cold and snowy. There’s not even a major holiday to be concerned about or prepare for until late in November.

Officially, autumn is September-November in the Northern Hemisphere and March-May in the Southern.

The Irish calendar, based on ancient Celtic tradition, designates fall as August, September and October, while Australia says fall is March 1 to May 31. How very odd.

Unofficially, in America, fall is the day after Labor Day through Thanksgiving, but it is the most special time of year here in New England, where we are famous for our beautiful foliage, mulled cider and many harvest festivals.

Before the 16th century, the season was not known as autumn or fall, but the term harvest, was used. The Jewish Sukkot holiday has its roots as a harvest festival of tabernacles or huts in which the harvest was processed.

Both the Chinese Moon Festival and some Indian festivals are also tied to the time of harvest. Autumn is the season for the goddess of learning, Saraswati, so it is also a good time to think about enrolling in that class you have always wanted to take or an opportunity for self-improvement. It is also interesting to note that since the year 1997, autumn has become one of the top 100 names for girl babies in the United States.

All three of my children were fall babies, with my daughter arriving in late October, just four days after my own birthday.

Whenever possible, I have always planned my vacations for the late fall; the crowds are gone, and the weather is invigorating and conducive to sightseeing. One year, an unexpected crisis at work prevented Val from taking our planned vacation to Italy, so I went by myself, and I can vividly recall being in Florence, all alone on my birthday, in late October. Awakening to a clear blue sky and perfect day with a beautiful city to explore, I felt there was nowhere else I would rather be, nor anything else I would rather be doing. It is still one of my most treasured birthday remembrances.

To slightly paraphrase that great Frank Sinatra number, “Autumn in Connecticut ... it’s good to live it again.”

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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