SORGHUM FIELDS PROVIDE SOME COLOR

The fall leaves left a lot to be desired this year. However, several fields of sorghum remain throughout lower Path Valley in Pennsylvania. Their rusty orange/reddish colored heads stand in sharp contrast to the pale stalks and surrounding areas of varying shade of dull. Well, except for some green in the fields. 

A FLASH OF FALL

Weather in the mid-Atlantic states was warmer than normal this year. Also a lot wetter.  This gave many people hopes for the brightest fall colors in years.  But it was not to be. As of the third week in October, the trees were still mostly green. Our dogwood trees started turning a few weeks earlier but that a frost was needed to turn the other trees. By the last week of the month there was little more that these dark red leaves and bright red seeds of our dogwood tree to satisfy my search for fall colors. Yes, there were some other colors, but not much. We took a week long trip to California and returned to find ...... Blah. Rains and wind had brought down most of the colorful leaves. Some trees had a lot of leaves that were just a weathered brownish. Better luck next year, I guess. Meanwhile, I am enjoying this little flash of fall. 

VETERANS/ARMISTICE/REMEMBRANCE DAY

November 11 is a day to remember and thank veterans who served their country. The holiday arose after World War I, the Great War as originally called, ended with an armistice between allied forces and Germany was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Allied countries began commemorating the day with national holidays named Armistice Day or Remembrance Day. Germany does not celebrate the holiday but designate it as a national day of mourning. The United States renamed the holiday Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans of all conflicts.

The American Legion Post 232 in Dry Run held their Veterans Day service, which included a Post Everlasting Ceremony to honor my father and the other members who passed away during the year. A very somber moment occurs when three rile bearers and a comrade with a brazier stack the rifles and the Commander says, "The Adjutant will place and American Legion cap on the rifles in remembrance of our fellow Comrades' service to our Country in the military of the United States." A single light illuminated the rifles and cap to focus our attention on the symbol of their passing.