This week, we had two perfect autumn days with bright blue skies. Rain and strong winds had prematurely stripped many of the red and orange leaves off of the maples, leaving the yellows of the beeches, tulip poplars, and ginkos. I scuffed along the path and looked up. The afternoon sun came out from behind a cloud, turning the tree canopy golden. The leaves made shivery sounds in the breeze. It was a day I will remember when we are in the midst of the grays and browns of winter.