First Day of Fall Update

Well, it's officially Autumn today, and I personally could not be happier about the seasonal change! This is, hands-down, the best time of the year in my opinion. The weather is cooler, the leaves put on a spectacular display, the harvest arrives with its bounties for the hearth, an aroma of nutmeg and apples hangs in the air... and grown men put on padding and beat each other senseless on stained grass fields of a hundred yards, not to mention on the ice, all across the country.

Yes, football season is my favorite sport (go Redskins!), but hockey comes in at a close second and their season starts up on October 1 (go Caps!). I really do just love this time of the year, though. I've never been one for the heat and humidity, though I was born in Nawlins, where those two entities never seem to leave town. So, the cooler temps are a huge plus in my book.

Everything about this season appeals to me, though, except for possibly the leaf molds. I really do prefer the cuisine of this season as well. From game to pumpkins to apples, there's a lot of sweet and savory comestibles waiting to be crafted and consumed. While I'm not one for decorating as a rule, I do try to take time to see how Mother Nature does every year in her exterior design schemes.

Most of all, though, while most of the population finds Spring to be the season of renewal and rebirth, I tend to think of Autumn as that time of year. The falling of leaves is like the shedding of old layers in order for new ones to take their place. Think of it in terms of Alpha Delta Gamma, at least:

• This is the beginning of the school year, when Rush crops up again and new ideas are implemented.
  
• New brothers bring new life to each chapter; most chapters, even those with deferred Rush, use this time to test events for the Spring semester, when they can perfect those plans.
• A new freshmen class brings about new prospects for chapter growth and development.

In a sense, this is our Spring season right now. From what I have been hearing out of the chapters already, things are already looking better than before. Rho showed me a great time over Labor Day weekend, and they are moving full-speed ahead on the chapter level. Alpha Epsilon had me down for their Bid Day, which if you have not experienced, you should. Lambda reported a larger-than-average deferred Fall class, as well. Things are certainly looking revived and renewed so far! You can have your Spring; I'll stay with Fall.

One thing about revitalization and nurturing, though, it is not a fire-and-forget operation. The only way we can thrive is if everyone is willing to pitch in and do their part. We often say, "City Walled," to one another; what good is a wall if even one of the bricks goes away? Sure, the remaining bricks need to be stronger, but they have to fill that void that is left behind. Many hands make light work; let's not forget that.

Enjoy the season while it lasts! Around DC, it seems to pass by almost in an instant. I plan on visiting an orchard or two, a winery or three, and trying my hand at new culinary creations this year. I also hope to spend ample time outdoors just soaking in the crisp breezes and chill Fall nights. Feel free to join me for Oktoberfest or maybe just a Sam Adams Oktoberfest this year. Or, Jack's Pumpkin Ale, either one. Enjoy the season, brothers, and savor every last minute of the splendor of the Fall!

Ad Dei Gloriam