The trees have been late in losing their leaves around here this season. Some leaves have turned a brilliant orange, some a subdued red, but for the most part, the leaves in my neighborhood are still attached to their branches. At least until this week when some suddenly started to float down and coat the sidewalks.
I like Autumn. I like the colors that brighten up the trees and the crunch of the leaves that have fallen to the ground. The slight nip of the wind in the air energizes my walk. Mostly, though, I feel my energy lift after the lethargy of the hot summer days.
This Fall, though, has been slow in offering up its charms. The summer heat seemed to last longer than usual. After a round of cooler days, we are back to temps in the 70s! I wonder if our winter weather will be different as well. Certainly different from my childhood memories of autumn.
But then so much, these days has changed. Weather-wise there are more storms, more drought, more floods all across our nation and the world. There is more political animosity, more anger, more active hatred. I try to look at people in a universal way, hoping to see what connects us rather than tears us apart. I look for the joy in life even though I know there are times for grief.
As the leaves finally fall, it is easy to forget their beauty. But they will be back, vibrant as ever, as Spring comes around. I hope that we all remember that as the seasons can change, so can we. Let’s seek the kindness and beauty of life and reach out to share it with those around us.
How are the seasons figured globally?
Hippos in the Aquarium
Here is an amazing creature! No, he (actually she) wasn’t in my immediate backyard but she was close by in the New Jersey Camden Adventure Aquarium.
There were two hippos swimming around in a tank where visitors could observe.
Hippopotamus is Greek for river horse. The adult visitors were entranced by how such a large animal could swim so gracefully; a female hippopotamus weighs about 2,000 - 3,000 lbs. and a male can weigh 3,000 – 4,000 lbs. on average. The kids just wanted to touch the hippos as they came up to the glass. The hippos seemed as curious about the people as we were about them. It may have been that when they see people they anticipate getting fed and that is what happened. Large plant leaves were tossed into the tank and the hippos lunged for them.
It's hard to believe that these huge creatures are somewhat delicate. Their skin burns easily so they tend to eat in the morning hours when the sun isn’t too strong and spend a good part of the day in the cool water. They are also vegetarian. But don’t let their gentle eating habits fool you. They are not always friendly and can be aggressive.
I looked at the hippos with respect. They are like us, in a way, strong and needy, gentle and wary at the same time. It makes me think of how all aspects of nature resonates with the whole of nature. Like a big, if somewhat diverse family. Perhaps if we can appreciate nature’s wide diversity, we can do the same with people.
Lots to know about hippos:
