THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX

AUTUMNAL EQUINOX - One of two times a year when the Sun crosses the equator, and the day and night are of approximately equal length.
At the autumnal equinox (Sept 22, 2009; 5:18 P.M. EDT), the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator, from north to south; this marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. (from Wikipedia)

Yes, it has been slightly cooler here in coastal Delaware, but we still have beach days into the autumn.  Actually, this is the best time of year to visit this area or for locals to hang out without the summer crowds.

It always amazes me that Fall seems to arrive on September 1.  Oh, the weather is still warm and sunny, but it is something that is just felt in the air.  The colors are suddenly more golden, the sky is a clearer blue, sometimes there is already a faint smell of woodsmoke.  Everybody comments on it.  I have had my homegrown pumpkin on the front step for a month or so.  It is the first time I have grown a pumpkin from last year's Halloween pumpkin.  He was early, but he survived.

The Fall is a busy time here in this resort area.  October brings our annual Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival.  There are main events at the local convention center (sometimes big names like Chris Botti!) and the restaurants and bars offer their own jazz groups.  The following week is the Seawitch Festival which is the Halloween celebration in Rehoboth Beach.  There are lots and lots of things for kids of all ages to do on the beach and in the town.  November brings our annual Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival .  Some people stay throughout an entire day watching movie after movie and leave bleary-eyed and tired.

Autumn is my favorite season for many reasons, but primarily because it is the season of my birthday.  I was born on Thanksgiving!