The leaves have been as reluctant to change as the temperatures have been slow to drop. But one thing is for sure, the days are gradually growing shorter — and my runs are getting darker. And over the past few days, I’ve noticed some sure signs of the season’s transition.

Resident chipmunk or neighbor’s squirrel has taken a liking to one of our pumpkins. And oh my, have our squirrels been skittish!  Like short-circuiting wind-up toys on crack.

Some neighborhood folks are in the spooky spirit.

This was a photo that Facebook reminded me I posted on this day — six years ago. Seriously? Have I really been on Facebook that long??

More spooky spirit stuff in the neighborhood.

But this was my favorite sighting of all. Two fiery pops of crimson right at my feet.

I think someone has an actual fire going either in their chimney or in their patio pit right now because I can smell the smokey drifts as they waft through our open windows.

Happy fall, y’all.