We awake in darkness and notice the daylight fleeting as the month-long Jewish Holidays wind down. We toss a beloved cardigan sweater over our shoulders, flipping on extra lights needed to prepare our morning brew. We notice the darkness during the early hours of morning walks and with brisk steps are aware of the sound and feel of the leaves underfoot. As Autumn continues to make her presence known everything looks a little different. Pumpkins line the grocery store sidewalks and are beginning to show up in the neighborhood on porches and patios. I often joke with the residents of JSL that when I walk among the trees at home, I must don a hardhat for protection from the acorns and walnuts often hurled at me from seemingly angry squirrels in the tall oaks above. They too are aware of the work ahead as they must build up their supply for the winter soon to come.
