I know fall is coming when the Black gum trees start their color change.  They are one of the first species to change color in the fall.  And here she is, right on schedule.

 

Tomorrow is the Autumnal equinox, when day and night hours are nearly equal.  Astronomically, it is when the Sun is directly above the equator.  Astrologically, it is when the Sun enters the sign of Libra.  It will occur this year on September 23rd, at 3:51 am. 

 

OK, back to Black gum, or Sour gum trees, botanically known as Nyssa sylvatica.  (I don't know how I can remember that from 1975, but I do.)  I love what these trees do in the fall.  Their shiny leaves turn scarlet, and the berries turn blue.  

 

You can see them all over the neighborhood.  Bears and birds love the berries, although they remind me of sucking on a lemon.  I have a friend who makes a lemonade-like drink from Black gum berries, but she adds a TON of sugar to make it taste good.  I'll leave the berries for the bears and the birds, Thanks.

 

I just love seeing the color change and dreaming of cooler weather.

 

 

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!!