A REFLECTION ON A CANVAS SPLASH

Stunning. What a photo! I am a leaf turning lover. Until they fall. Then I'm ready to leave myself. Before the clean up.

Yet there are great memories of jumping or watching my kids and grandkids play and jump into the leaves. Of the end of a blistered hand day of raking. Of burning leaves at dusk and watching the green phosphorescence take finally and combust while giving out a Fourth of July snake-like stream of curling smoke.

Of the clean green yard once again exposed after its blanket of many colors has been removed. So what if a little rotting of leaves had begun? They're removed and the dampness remains.

Scooting just a little closer to the fire as night time nears bringing coolness against a sweaty brow. In just a few minutes it will be suppertime. But now's a good time. The feeling of satisfaction. The feeling of accomplishment. The feeling of having finished a good hard day of work. Nothing like that feeling that those who pay others to do yard work can relate to.

You've already raked and re-raked cold coals and ash. You've already doused the flames. Only a trickle now of smoke ascending. You can't see it because of the night, but you've done this for ages. You know.

Soup's on. Along with a sandwich, maybe a salad. Oh, did I see a caramel apple on the counter?

The rakes and now empty bucket head for the garage for their well earned rest.