Today's Finale Just in Time for the Next Beginning

That's all folks!

After today, actually in just a few hours, it will be gone forever never to return.

Butterfly at Monticello

Hopefully, its passing leaves fond memories and crammed picture albums (or thumb drives) of places visited.

Yes, autumn arrives today marking the finale of the Summer of 2012.

Just as surely as the butterfly in the image will never again visit that flower--so 2012's summer is passing away into the autumn.

It was a great summer. I wish I was standing on a beach somewhere to mark its passing into fond memories of places visited and fun with family and friends.

But, I guess, I am figuratively on some beach, somewhere in my mind enjoying just one more happy hour and listening to the lapping of the waves and making imaginary shapes out of the clouds.

I am hesitant to welcome autumn. I know where it ends.

But, autumn is full of fun, too. Leaves and celebrations, and birthdays (mine included). This year, hopefully, there will be an added autumn treat--playoff baseball in Baltimore for the first time in 15 years!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD