News has it that attack is imminent. We have maybe 24 hours before we are faced with aliens from the sky, that mad mixture of two gases that results in the clear liquid that batters my increasingly unprotected noggin. It may not be War of the Worlds, but it certainly is war of the seasons.

But it’s leaves, not rain, that is on my mind. This year we’ve been blessed, a word I don’t usually invoke, with sunny shine and warmth. And the second blessing: the summer god has enjoyed an extra latte while the storm gods have been held at bay, so we are treated to the best fall colors, the proverbial riot of color. This weekend, when wind and rain arise from their bar stools, we position ourselves for the psychedelic snowstorm that awaits us.

Many news outlets will be running the “danger of leaves” stories with stock footage of backed up catch basins, but the rest of us will marvel at the vibrant visit of Vincent van Gogh to our otherwise grey and green pastiche.

As said, attack is imminent, but I’d like to invite readers to chime in with their favorite fall color on the rock. Where have you seen the brightest colors? Where can one best witness nature’s own leaf blower deposit leaves upon the waters?

Near the high school one can rejoice in the flame throwers, a line of slender trees, perhaps made by Rocketdyne, throwing flames at the sky. Or the fantastic collection on the Lid, or even the iridescent red vines clinging to concrete walls. The party is almost ready to start and the confetti will be bursting forth. Where is you favorite spot to watch fall fireworks?

Geoff Spelman