Yesterday, we marked the unofficial end of summer.
That's especially true in Minnesota. In the land of lakes, gophers, Gophers and mediocre college hockey teams, school doesn't start until after Labor Day. The holiday also is the last day of the Minnesota State Fair, the biggest social event of the year and the biggest artery-clogging event of the year.
So, the most often asked question today will be: Where did summer go?
While everyone laments the end of the summer, few celebrate the start of fall. Most make the one-day leap from mourning summer's end to loathing the thought of winter's start.
But I'm an autumn guy. Except for the difficulty of finding my golf ball in the fallen leaves, autumn is the best season.
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As someone who has sweat glands the size of moon craters and the complexion of a submarine commander, I celebrate the waning of heat and humidity. Autumn has the most moderate weather of all four seasons and thus is the best time to be outdoors.
Autumn also has football, specifically Minnesota Vikings football. No team at any level, not even Sioux hockey, has as wide of a passionate fan base around here as the Vikings. The addition of quarterback Brett Favre, with his mythic, compelling and childlike personality, has multiplied that zeal.
Autumn is also the real start of the year, especially if you have children. What is there to celebrate on Jan. 1, other than a day off from work? But there is much to celebrate with the start of a new school year. Even more than their birthdays, children relish the jump in a grade as a sign of "growing up."
Our two children are now 20-somethings and have flown the nest -- and serial homecoming dance chaperoning. One is in the second year of college and the other is back in grade school -- as a teacher. In both cases, autumn is still a sign of growing up.
So, enjoy these next two-plus months while you can. Celebrate autumn. Marvel in the wonder of harvest. Enjoy the nip in the evening air. And play in the leaves.
If you find a golf ball there, it's probably mine.
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com .
