Falling for Nature

When I say I hate Winter, I need to add the disclaimer that it’s not the bitter cold temperatures or the layer of clothes that really makes me sad; what it comes down to is that I hate winter’s confinements to the indoors.  As my Women Studies roommates would say, “Winter is oppressive!”  So, what I really dislike about winter is that it holds me captive to the indoors for far too long.

The stem of this hate, I realized only recently.  As winter fast approaches, and jackets begin to emerge from the bowels of homes, I have become increasingly aware of my fate.  No longer can I wear shorts or tang tops, exposing my skin to the warmth and comfort of the sun.  Soon the sun must pass through layer upon layer of clothing in order to warm my body; and that’s only when it decides to show itself.  Being October 20^th, I am extremely content with the way the weather is fairing.  I have seen the sun everyday for the past 10 days and I want nature to progress in this manner, although as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Before the Earth tilts any further, and we are all restricted to the indoors, I see to it that it is my earthling duty to call upon your attention to one of the most magical places in Ann Arbor; the Arboretum.  I recommend you walk to the Arb after an early morning at the Farmer’s Market in Kerrytown where you fill your morning void with coffee or cider and donuts.  Then I direct you to take your happy full tummies on a lovely stroll to the Arb.  Depending on what Saturday you go, you may find pleasure in passing far too many drunken students before 10 am getting rowdy for one of the most valued events in our country…Football.  Passing these students will make you smile based on the pure absurdity of it all.

As you continue to walk out of the crazy zone, you will find screams and loud music replaced by crunchy leaves and howling winds.  If you catch the morning just right, the sun will gleam on the changing trees, making you think you suddenly stepped into a fairytale.  You will pass a cemetery on your left as you approach the Arb that will put any fear of death out of mind due to the serenity and peacefulness of the crowded leafy ground and sunlight peering through the thinning trees.

By the time you come to the Arb your morning activities have prepped you for the right frame of mind to appreciate nature and the calmness you feel within.  Bring a date, a friend or go alone, and make sure to make a fall memory before time slips away and into winter.