Autumnal Equinox

This year the Autumnal Equinox occurs on September 22 at 9:19 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This celestial event marks the beginning of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere. At the equinox, the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west. In the northern hemisphere, before the autumnal equinox, the sun rises and sets more and more to the north, and afterwords, it rises and sets more and more to the south. The word "equinox" was derived from Latin term "æquinoctium" which, in turn, came from "æquus" (equal), and "nox" (night). It refers to the time that occurs twice a year when the nighttime is equal to the daytime -- each being 12 hours in duration.

Okay, so that's what the Autumnal Equinox is, but how dose it feel? What are the sensations that you associate with Fall? For me it's the sweet and tangy sip of the first apple cider of the season.  It is the demure roadside aster, and the festive goldenrod. It smells like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger floating from the kitchen. It is the crinkly dancing of leaves gliding down the road. The sun's light becomes softer, more agreeable. This is an enchanting time, the metamorphoses from Summer to Winter. I will celebrate this time by preparing a seasonal feast of pork chops with caramelized apples and onions, sweet potatoes, broccoli, fresh baked bread, and baked ginger pears with cream. I'll spend time walking outside, giving thanks for this glorious season. I'll take my camera with me so come back and look to see what's happening here in these Ozark Mountains.

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