By JB Lester
As the long hot Summer wanes, the goldfinches snatch the last of the coneflower seeds. The drought has turned the grasses brown and crispy. The last of the tomato harvest is coming in and the yellow roses take on a pink hue. As the autumn equinox is upon us, a new member of the family has arrived. Theodore James Hunt, grandchild number 5, was born on August 27. A sweet boy with an impish smile. His siblings Joey and Vivianne have taken him to their hearts as have his parents and all us grands and great grands. Teddy has brought great joy to our family, and we look forward to the many years of watching him grow into a fine young man.
As new life comes, so does some life go. The Japanese Maple we affectionately named the “Ojii Tree” did not make it through the drought and its leaves have curled a final breath. “Ojii” in Japanese means grandfather. The tree was named for my father-in-law Kay Inaba. We plan to plant a new tree in its place in honor of Ojii, a man who brought great joy to all, especially his grandchildren.
Our feral cats have been living in the shade to escape the heat. Autumn will be a welcome time for them. October is a wondrous month. Trees change colors, pumpkins and mums adorn front porches. The cooler air has a brisk smell of the end of summer. Birds make their way south in migratory airways. It’s time to bring out the baking recipes, pineapple upside down cake and oatmeal raisin pecan cookies. Perhaps the best season in St. Louis, Autumn is the last gasp before winter. Plants and people prepare for the cycle of slumber. Halloween brings out the imagination of children and fire pits and hot toddies for adults.
October is a great month to get out and hike one of the many trails in Missouri. Locally, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a great place to take the family to get into the woods. It has a paved trail for easy strolling and longer trails for the adventuresome hikers. Not far from Powder Valley is Emmenegger Nature Park with short and longer trails for the novice and experienced hiker. Powder Valley has a nature center and has talks and events throughout the year. For more information call 314-301-1500 or visit online at www.mdc.mo.gov.
Whether you choose to hike in the woods or just walk in your neighborhood, get out and move. Keeping active will add years to your life and help ward off ailments like heart disease and cancer. Even mild to moderate exercise has shown to help ease depression, anxiety and other mental disorders. Keep moving to improve your body, mind and soul.