Instinct Meets Introspection

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Environment

Late October. The sunlight is thinner. The breeze smells of decay and pine. And if you know where — and how — to look, the animals around you are quietly offering winter forecasts — no apps or satellites needed. And no weather channel needed either, which my dad watches on mute all day.

Take squirrels, for instance. When fall arrives and their tails puff out extra thick, it’s not vanity: they’re insulating signals. The bushier the tail, the deeper the snow they might be preparing for. And if their acorn caches migrate higher into tree branches, legend says they expect drifts that reach skyward.

Deer, too, have their own understated whispers. In some places, the transition to their gray winter coat begins earlier than usual if bitter conditions are expected. If you see that earlier molt, it could be nature’s red flag. (That said, verifying deer behavior regionally is tricky — variations exist.)

Caterpillars get their moment of fame as the “woolly worm.” This fuzzy crawler’s black–brown band pattern has been read for generations: more black suggests a colder, snowier winter; more brown hints at a milder season ahead.

Even the bugs and nests join in on the prediction game. Hornets and bees that build their hives higher up in trees, ants piling up tall hills — old lore views these as signals that nature expects snow to pile high. Spiders spinning large, strong webs right before cold weather are also said to be preparing for scarcity.

And then there’s the furry babe that lives right under your roof — your dog. Long before the thermostat dips, dogs often sense changes in air pressure, humidity, and daylight that hint at what’s coming. Some start fluffing up their coats weeks earlier, while others become more food-motivated, almost as if they’re preparing to “stock up” for leaner days. Sensitive noses may grow more curious on walks too, because cooler air carries scents differently — and their instincts tell them a shift is near.

If you notice your dog suddenly curling up tighter in sleep, seeking sunspots in the house, or shortening their usual sniffari, those might be subtle clues their internal barometer is picking up a harsh winter on the way. Even behaviors like burying toys or refusing to walk on chilly mornings can be their version of the woolly worm’s stripes: natural signals, built into their bones, that change is coming.

Of course, modern meteorology has tools far more precise than folklore — things like jet stream modeling, ocean patterns, and radar. Still, these animal behaviors — from squirrels’ tails to your dog’s winter habits — offer a poetic counterpoint: a reminder that living creatures often respond to subtle shifts long before we do. For me? Well, my dog wanting more food won’t signal anything different from any other day. I’ll have to rely on the other animals for hints.

Gimme: Point of view is everything
Not so clever: Dogs can spell, no?
Adopted: Truth comes out

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Culture

There’s something about fall that stirs up the soul. Maybe it’s the way light softens by late afternoon, or how the air seems to carry more memory than oxygen. Psychologists have long noted that autumn mirrors the natural arc of life — growth, harvest, release — and that subtle cue is often enough to nudge us into deeper self-reflection. It’s no coincidence that journaling apps see their biggest spikes in September.

But here’s where most people stop short: reflection doesn’t have to stay on the page. In fact, pairing journaling with movement — especially a simple walk outdoors — has been shown to boost its effects dramatically. The reason? The humble crunch of leaves. That rhythmic sound, technically known as biophonic noise, acts as a kind of natural white noise. Studies suggest it can lower cortisol, our main stress hormone, and help the brain enter a more meditative, receptive state.

Want to take it a step further? Try this lesser-known grounding trick: before you start writing, collect three natural objects that catch your eye — a pine cone, a crimson leaf, a smooth stone — and carry them in your pocket as you walk. Each time you touch them, pause and name one thing you’re grateful for. Neuroscientists have found that pairing tactile sensations with gratitude strengthens neural pathways linked to optimism and emotional resilience.

When you return to your journal, don’t just write about the day (“work sucked”). Reflect on what’s changing — in the trees, the sky, and in yourself. Autumn isn’t simply a season; it’s a built-in invitation to pause, listen, and recalibrate. Be grounded enough to grow through the cold.

Is Last Year’s Sun Damage Showing Up As This Year’s Dark Spots?

You can’t go back in time and prevent sun damage from last year, but you can do something about it this year.

Chuckle

The fib is C. A new apple tree typically won’t produce a decent harvest for 4–5 years — one reason many orchards are multi-generation family businesses.

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