TAKE ME BACK

I used to love Fall in the Midwest. The changing colors of the leaves, the few trees I could annually count on to try to outdo the rest in brilliant display.

The picture on the right of simpler times perhaps also appeals to me. If you look closely you can see a young child running, getting ready to throw himself into the pile his Father has raked up.

But what I do not ever no never not miss is the burning stench left by smoldering branches and soaked leaves emitting green phosphorus type gases. So many beautiful days of Autumn were ruined by my neighbors' burning. Windows had to remain shut for the entire season when a nice airing out of the house would be like clothes drying on a line in the sun.

Fortunately out West we have few leaves, thus little burning, thus fresher air. Well, except for the brown ribbon of smoke fog pollution that encircles the city of Phoenix. Even if it gets blown away today by strong winds, it'll be back tomorrow.

Scientists may find that it is caused by Midwest leaf burning. But then again, maybe the antithesis of cigarette smoking, leaf burning extends one's life. At least the biggest torcher of leaves I ever saw is still going strong at age 93, although I understand she now hires it done.