Pico was just digging in the ground, making a cool spot to lie down in.  After the rain we got last night, the disturbed ground had a nice, earthy smell to it.  A week ago, it would have been just dust, floating up into my face and choking me.  Now it smells good.

This is my favorite time of year.  The leaves are starting to change color.  There are bright yellows and orangeish-reds.  Most of the trees are still green, but that just makes the few that are changing really stand out.  They look striking.

The road is covered with dead leaves that blow around on the dry days.  The good news is that since there are dry days, there must be wet days.  The rain we’ve gotten isn’t making up for summer, but at least it’s raining once in a while.  We needed the water, and it’s also nice to get a free car wash now and then too.

I’ve always liked fall the best, and after this hot and dry summer, the cool nights and warm days are a huge relief.  Just cool enough for a long sleeve shirt at night.  The mosquitoes are starting to die down and there’s a noticeable difference in the amount of daylight we’re getting.  I’ve seen some geese heading south and even with no water, the few apples that made it are ripening up.  I like fall.