Fall is here!

Fall has officially arrived!  In the Continental U.S. the leaves are changing color, sweaters and jackets are coming out of the closets, and the brilliant features of fall are visible to the naked eye.  Here in Hawai'i it's a little different.  The leaves do not change color and we're not quite ready to bring out our sweaters and jackets.  So how do we know that summer has gone and fall has arrived on an island like Maui?

First quarter of the school year is coming to an end.  That's my signal that fall is here.  We are preparing for fall break and there is excitement in the air, yes, fall is here.  I can see the Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, and other rides set up and ready for our annual county fair.  The food booths have been constructed and soon we'll be able to smell the delicious food of fall.  Traffic signs have been posted announcing road closures for our annual parade.  Fall is here.  The sun shines on my face earlier in the morning and our magnificent Maui sun sets a little sooner.  The nights are longer when fall is here.  Our family gathers around the tube for the Season Premiere of our favorite TV shows when fall is here and we have the blessed opportunity of hearing from our Prophets and Church Leaders when fall is here.

So, as you can see, fall is a little different on my island Maui.  But when you pay attention you can surely count the many ways that we recognize . . . Fall is here!