Foliage and Crisp Air Among Residents’ Favorite Parts of Fall

It’s the week before Thanksgiving. Leaves are still changing color, the air is uncluttered by humidity, mums are in full bloom, and folks are in the parks, and playing football in shorts and T-shirts.

Shorts and T-shirts? Absolutely, thanks to an Indian summer the area has been experiencing – with a rogue mini-snow storm thrown in to “mix it up.” Heck, in some backyards, roses and petunias are still blooming, intermingled with “older” mums and the leaves that blanket the lawns.

Pop quiz: How many readers were out mowing, blowing, and raking leaves – the first week in September? Even though Irene decimated a lot of green foliage with her salt scald, there are still enough leaves on the maples, oaks, red maples and birches to provide a brilliant foliage show. Some neighborhoods even have brightly colored trees sprinkled with toilet paper left over from Mischief Night shenanigans.

Leaf blowers – and rakes – are in full force, but a bit less obnoxious than lawn mowers seven days a week. Aside from a few stray mosquitoes and bees, the summer insects have vanished thanks to a few bouts of chilly weather, yet balmy temps continue.

If the weather keeps up like this, that time-honored tradition of “Turkey Bowl” may be played in short sleeves, not sweatshirts. Heck, if this weather keeps up, families might be grilling the turkey in the backyard, and eating it on the deck.

However, until next week – and for a few weeks after – jumping in the leaves, the fall foliage display, and the crisp, clear air that are ranked the top fall “favorites” for residents along the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers may still be enjoyed.