Autumn leaves

I bitterly refuse to admit that the summertime is over until the autumnal equinox, and I can't live in denial for much longer. Even though I bemoan the end of summer and inevitable onset of winter, it's impossible not to feel some affection toward that all-too-brief, colorful season in between. There are so many wonderful things about the autumn -- pumpkin-flavored beverages and desserts, the crisp smell in the air, Halloween, excellent television, a very plausible excuse to update your wardrobe. (September issues of fashion magazines really help to take the sting out of summer's end).

Above all else, however, fall is a season of splendor. With the first day of fall on Saturday, it's time to soak in the best aspect of the season: the fall foliage. I stumbled upon this page on the "I Love NY" website that has a map displaying the current status of the foliage across the state. Currently, nearly the whole of New York is "just changing," with some small portions in the east (including the Catskills and Adirondacks) at "mid point." It doesn't last long, so be sure to take advantage while you can!