AUTUMN IN MY HEART

**************************** ALTHOUGH AUTUMN is officially days away, the signs of autumn and its accompanying soft cool breeze is being felt right now especially in the early dawn.That makes one stay longer with Morpheus and dream of days to come. This is felt even in the daytime. I do not need the aircon while driving since the cool breeze from the open windows gives one that exhilarating feeling. OH HOW I LOVE AUTUMN! I REMEMBER my first taste of autumn with Hiroko on a trip to AOMORI-KEN. This is in Northern HONSHU, the biggest and main island. We were to deliver that steel framed steps for the RINGO-BATAKE [APPLE ORCHARD]. Although I did not do the actual delivery, I just sat in the front seatof that big truck and savored the great view from where I was. WE STARTED early on. Ther plan was to stay in some RYOKAN [A JAPANESE-STYLE INN/HOTEL] for the night and deliver the next day. THE RYOKAN was magnificent. It boasts of natural spring water with fantastic view of the bay somewherein Route # 4. We were ushered in a Japanese-styled room [but of course!] with TATAMI mats. The wide window overlooked a Japanese garden. Beyond the horizon is the Bay. CHANGING INTO KIMONO [JAPANESE DRESS] was a marvel. Then on to the ONSEN [SPRING] OFURO [JAPANESE BATH TUB]. Usually, there are several BATHS like these.The baths are separate for men and women.Dipping into the bath makes one aware of its natural surroundings. I wonder why we have not transformed our Hot Springs in Laguna and elsewhere into natural settings, instead of that plain swimming pools. That way, it would be more enjoyable.Makes one more aware of nature as well. A FANTASTIC DINNER awaits the dinersafter the bath. The array of colors used both in chinawares and the food itself is beyond description. SLEEP AWAITS those who are tired and the deep slumber called in early as the whole day proved to be a tiring one. BREAKFAST IS served at the Hall where one is left with two choices: Western-style breakfast [which gives you that usual bread and egg-bacon ham, etcetera. 0R...the Japanese style one with Mizo soup and rice and fish. I LOVE AUTUMN! I love the changing colors of autumn. I marvel at the magnificence of its varying colors: the golden, red, and orange leaves among the trees in the once-verdant mountains. I WAS TOUCHED by all these magnificence. I shed tears of happiness and joy everytime I see the great colors of autumn! GOD IS TRULY GREAT. HE MADE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL! And now I welcome AUTUMN with open arms......