End of Indian Summer

OUR PLEASANT WEATHER will soon come to an end, with the temperature here in Saint Louis dropping fifty degrees Fahrenheit by tomorrow, with freezing rain and perhaps a foot of snow.

Bishop John Joseph Hogan, writing in the 19^th century, said this about Missouri's climate:

INDIAN SUMMER.

"No climate is more delightful that the Missouri Indian Summer, usually ranging from the middle of September to the middle of November, when the blue azure sky, aglow with warm sunlight, appears mellowed and tinted by the calm autumnal haze that permeates the whole firmament, near and far away, in the immeasurable zenith and the limitless horizon. Then in the noiseless melody of nature, the little birds seem to forget their songs, the waving boughs of the forest lose their swaying motion, and the babbling brooks cease their clamor; so intent does creation seem, to enjoy its siesta, during which the human mind yields much of its turmoil to the happy hour of prevailing restfulness."

DECEIVINGLY BEAUTIFUL.

"But these soft hazy hours are not to be trusted too much, especially in the waning year, they take wings and vanish, before the bold advance of winter. The traveller on our prairies who would dream of unchanging sunshine in the latter days of November, would be apt to be rudely undeceived, as I often was in the guileless days of my youth not long since gone by...."

"Dark, blustering mid-winter in its undisguised severity, on the honest principle of forewarned and forearmed, is far less dangerous to health, than flattering autumnal sunshine. An equipment of over shoes, buck skin gloves, fur cap with ear lapels, and heavy overcoat, makes a man ironclad, against the assaults of winter."

See this article on Indian Summer, which was also called Saint Luke's Summer.

Here are photos of the last bit of fall color: may we always remain amazed at the glory of God's handiwork. Click on any photo for a larger version. These were taken just before sunset, on November 23^rd, Thanksgiving Day.