Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

I grew up in Michigan, where there are four distinct seasons. Although I enjoyed all of them (yes, even winter has its joys, as my dear friend Peg never ceases to remind me), I had a particular fondness for autumn, not least because of the beautiful colors. Here in Texas, where I have lived for 21 years, the seasons aren't as distinct, but we do get fall color for about 15 minutes. Right now the trees are ablaze. It's gorgeous. Leaves are falling all around; squirrels are scampering about the neighborhood; and the delightful, soothing sound of leaf blowers wafts through the air. (That last part is facetious.) How is the fall color in your neck of the woods? Where, in your opinion (based on firsthand experience), is the fall color the best? Why is fall color romantic? (I'm not asking whether it is; I'm asking why it is. I'm asking for an explanation, not an argument. If you don't think it's romantic, then there is nothing for you to explain, except why some of us think there is something to explain.)