Shame on me for permitting the autumnal equinox to come and go without so much as a mention.

Religious followers from around the world observe many seasonal days of celebration during late September. Most are religious holy days, and are linked in some way to the fall or autumn equinox. Common themes found worldwide are balance, harvesting, hunting, and remembrance of the dead.

That’s got nothing to do with me — I simply prefer the Fall to any other season of the year.

Cooler days with clear, deep blue skies and crisp, chilly evenings that are absolutely ideal for snuggling deep under the covers with the windows partly open. The trees and bushes put on their annual pageant of extravagant colors more majestic than the canvas of any human artist.

What’s not to like?

Where I live in Indiana, this marks the beginning of the many Fall festivals where we will celebrate the harvest and the end of another growing season. Hot, spicy apple cider and home baked pies makes this season one to be looked forward to with much anticipation, even though we all know where this is heading.

And besides all that, the longer nights and diminished atmospherics marks the beginning of six months of radio joy on the lower bands — 40, 80 and even 160 meters.

So here’s a slightly belated, “Happy Autumn” to you and yours!