When Does Fall Begin in 2011?

I noticed the first few falling leaves in my yard this week and I know exactly what that sign from nature means. That fall is coming, and it is just around the corner and closing in fast. I can't wait.

When is fall in 2011? The first day of Autumn is on September 23, 2011. This day falls on a Friday and I like that. It gives us an entire weekend to celebrate the arrival of fall. Wonderful! For many of us here in the US, this summer has been a brutal one. Many folks say it was one of the hottest ones on record and many heat records were broken this year. Summer came to us quickly and early in many parts of the US. Here in my home state of Georgia, we had records for the highest temperatures the earliest in the year. By June, it was very hot, above one hundred and climbing. That lasted a while, too. No wonder I am so ready for fall.

The first falling leaves and cooler temperatures are some of the first signs of Autumn. And, the squirrels. You can see them scurry in a frenzy in the fall, looking for acorns and nuts to store away for the cold winter months soon to come. They are quite busy, across yards, in woods and in parks, planning their pantry for survival from the cold. They get quite bushy and their coats fluff up, in preparation for battle with the low temperatures. Animals get their winter coat around fall and they soon will be furred up and fluffy, in their winter fashion wear. So cute. Nature has many tasks to perform in fall, that is for sure.

On the human front, we have many fall rituals, too. One of them is attacking our yards with a rake or leaf blower. Here come those beautiful fall leaves. So pretty. And when they start falling, it is like an avalanche, coming faster and faster. Piling higher and higher, covering the lawn. Yard work abounds, getting ready to deal with the massive leaf overflow. Here in Georgia, the lovely tall pine trees shed their pine straw. Along with pine cones. Lots of straw and cones. We decorate our bushes, trees and flower beds with the pine straw, tucking the plants in for a warm winter rest.

Other human fall festivities include shopping. Gotta get those winter coats, gloves, hats and boots. Also, partake of fall fashions. Hunters ready themselves with long underwear, camouflage suits, orange vests and boots. Ladies may be looking for fur coats. Fake fur, of course. Then, there are the fall carnivals. Fall dances. Halloween is right around the corner from fall, so pumpkins, hay rides and candy abound. I always get my first craving for turkey and pumpkin pie around the first day of Autumn. Yum. I love fall. The viewing of trees changing colors, the cool and tingly fall breeze, all let you know fall is here. When is the first day of fall? On September 23, 2011. Happy fall!