Editor,
I think my favorite place to be in the fall is the Ozark Mountains. Eureka Springs, Arkansas is lovely in the fall.
The wind gently blows through the treetops and the swaying of the tall standing trees is mesmerizing. Trees begin to release their leaves and they float gently to the ground, leaving their hosts naked and free. The pines and firs stand proudly in their lush green coats year around for us to enjoy. The trees provide shelter for many animals and birds year around.
Squirrels have a buffet of various nuts to hoard in their dreys, while other creatures hibernate in their burrows to await winter. Birds come to fatten up for the coming winter but they don’t fear the bitter cold and snowfalls of the upper Midwest.
Ice is not a friend of the area and without equipment to control ice, it’s best to stay home for the ice will be gone tomorrow. Even a good old thunderstorm is welcome as the rain washes off the summer build up.
The moon and stars seem so close you can almost touch them.
What can be better than a circle of chairs around a fire ring roasting marshmallows? Really, I can’t think of a better place than right here in October.
Charlene Teed
Ankeny, Iowa