With the meteorological fall a mere two weeks away, I thought I would share a maple leaf from one of the ones growing in my yard as a reminder the cold winds and long dark nights are nearing for those of us in the northern hemisphere.

Here in the far northern reaches of Minnesota, the next month's forecast holds early September frosts for us. Though they are long range forecasting a warmer winter this year. A bit easier than the many days of -0F we had last year I hope. My old bones can feel the season's change coming.

My dogs can already smell the fall days afield in pursuit of a ruffed grouse or two. And maybe a sharptail or two also if my repaired knee is up to that.