Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

There’s a sense of panic in the autumn air. Leaves, which should be gradually turning their various colors, fall to the ground unchanged. Flowers bloom one day and wilt the next. Squirrels fight with each other over the walnuts that our trees have graciously dropped for their examination. And it’s only early October.

The man who prunes my trees this time every year has a theory. According to him and the Farmer’s Almanac he cites, these are all signs that the approaching winter will be harsh and long. Snow and plenty of it is on the horizon.

In anticipation, the leaves fall to be done with it. The flowers are prey to temperatures that drop acutely at night, although they are reasonable during the day. And perhaps the walnuts, which are more plentiful than I ever remember, are a blessing if the squirrels are to survive until next April.

There are other signs too. The mosquitoes left our yard early. The geese are practicing formations over our river, while the herons fly back and forth almost inconsolably. And I haven’t seen a hummingbird in two weeks.

I’ve never been one to adhere to the Farmer’s Almanac, but this year has made a believer of me. I’m stocking my pantry and weatherproofing my house and making sure my car performs at sub-zero temperatures. As additional insurance, I may even book a cruise in January.