The seasons Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter are often compared to the seasons of our lives. Spring reflects our early age, Summer our maturing, Autumn is the 3rd quarter, and Winter is the end of a long game. Like Coach would tell you, don’t start watching the clock just yet, but know for sure the final whistle is coming in the 4th quarter. My favorite season still is Autumn; it’s brisk, not bitter just yet and Summer seems to lag around a little. Every region of the country is different, but in the Adirondacks you know Winter has arrived when it snows in September. Autumn does its best to delay Winter with bright colored leaves, cornfield harvests, and campfires. Like us, however, Autumn eventually gives up its bright hues for Winter’s grayer shades.
My favorite part of Autumn includes a nice bonfire. When I was about 6 years old my sister Sheila and I along with my cousin John decided to have a campfire. Most 6 and 7 year olds do that all the time now, right? We gathered up a couple bushels of dry leaves and piled them into our sandbox behind the house. My mother was inside getting dinner ready while dressed up for a night out at the Country Club. I stole some matches from her purse and lit the pile with the three of us huddling around the flames warming our little patties. The flames licking the sandbox roof must have caught Mom’s attention ’cause she came stumbling out of the garage in her heels and pearls screaming to the Almighty while dousing us with a bucket of water. A little bit of a heated overreaction, but another good reason why local teenagers avoided babysitting at our house.
My cancer diagnoses seem to fire up in the Fall; most recently late in the 3rd Quarter. My reaction to them has been the opposite of my Mom’s bucket brigade. Instead, I tackle the challenge calmly each time; I don’t look at the clock, I follow good coaching, and envision myself in the future. For those reasons, I’m not anxious, even though I can see Winter’s horizon. It’s not a clear horizon, but an older one given I’m no longer 26. Autumn more then ever is still my favorite Season where we reap what we sow. To me that means gathering memories before they get cold and enjoying the simplicity of our moments with the people who warm our hearts. Slainte.
Pete. Really enjoying your messages. Ran into Bill Leonard at a Becker’s conference today. We had a quick role down memory lane of the US open trip at Pinehurst you put together. Good times!
Paul, I’m glad you’re enjoying my posts. It’s a form of rehab for me. I also put together with Joe Mullany the corporate sponsorship of the US Open in Tulsa. Great time even though no one in Naples knew about it. I hope you and family are well. Best, Pete
Living in Florida I sure miss the change of seasons. Autumn was my fave. 🍁🍂
Caryn, brown palm fronds don’t cut it? Pete
Well said my friend.
Bruce, nice to hear from you. I enjoy seeing your world wide travel stories. Be sure to stop in Ireland sometime. Pete
You paint with words Mr. Pete. I can see the pearls, and the heels, and the fire. One thing is for sure…I’m glad you’re not my kid. 😂 You and Diane have taught me so about documenting the memories. I thank you for that. You with the blogs and her with journals to the boys. I told her last weekend Cash told me he was becoming a man because he “said” he was getting armpit hair. Now mind you this was in the crease of his elbow from wearing a black sweatshirt. When I told Diane she said “it’s not too late… to write this down” ~ and so I will… ❤️
Elisa, family stories used to be passed down verbally generation to generation. Now with our mobile society that effort is a lost art. Diane’s journals and now this blog has been a big help in keeping the stories going. Now I just have to tackle the 30,000 paper photographs and scan them someday. Pete
A great message Pete…..Love and Hug and this is my new favorite! 🥰
Shelley, that’s like Diane telling me I have 20 #1 priorities. I’ll keep trying to top the last one. Pete
Beautiful 💕
Thanks Val!
Beautifully said Pete…
I understand why you love Autumn being from upstate NY and sharing that season with you all. The brightness and colors mean so much, sandwiched between spring blooms and colder grayer days which I’m sure you also have so many beautiful memories and more to come.🥰
I’ve always enjoyed the ADK especially in the Fall. You appreciate them more when you’re not there. Pete
Pete, During these crazy times your postings really put things in perspective on what’s important in life. Health, family and friends. My best to you.
Larry, it’s nice to hear from you. I always remember with fondness the work we put into Munroe Regional; unfortunately it got assumed by a company not willing to interact with the local people. I hope you are well and I assume you’re busy right now. Best, Pete
Always enjoy your ‘gift of gab’’ 🍀🪳🍻
As Anthony knows, all it takes is a little Jameson
Pete, I am not 28; 82 is where I stand, on the edge of a wintry meadow, looking forward to each day, and your posts. Slainte!
Tim, thanks for reading and enjoying. We all have our horizons no matter our age. Pete
This one is a really good reflection Pete, kind of hits home for us “older” folks. Keep looking forward to spring and a new start to the cycle!
Tom, you can’t beat the Fall in the ADK for quiet reflection. Pete
Always….❤️🪳☘️
Autumn is beautiful!!! You have an excellent way to look at things. Chris is from NY also, must be a thing with you boys and fire 🔥,as long as you’re not catching yourself on fire as he occasionally has…Slow and steady keeps you in the race…This winter be gone and It will be spring in a blink of an eye!! Stay well!!!
Fran, I love Florida’s green fall leaves. Pete
Pete
You absolutely missed your calling, I read everything you write, and finding myself checking my email for anything new
Thank you Pete for the perspective and the warmth of your words.
Jim, all you need is a little Jameson to warm things up. Pete
🪳 ☘️ ❤️
Slainte!