Don Canney

If one studies the lyrics of the 1986 Cyndi Lauper hit True Colors, it could almost be translated as an ode to Mother Nature, particularly this time of year. Nature truly shows her true colors, reds, greens, golds, yellows, and oranges. She is, for the most part, just being herself, which is the crux of the ballad.

We all foster thoughts and memories of autumns growing up in Nashua. Of course, a sweet, juicy, and tart local apple takes center stage. Apples are one of those rare foods filled with antioxidants that are good for you and taste great! Taking advantage of the last corn on the cob of the season is another memory for me. As a very young kid living on Tyler Street in the cottages managed by what was then Memorial Hospital, I recall the thrill we got when hearing a clop-clop-clop sound off in the distance and realizing it was old Mr. Hardy with his horse drawn wagon full of corn, pedaling his wares street to street. The corn was delicious, but we were more excited to be able to stand next to the mighty steed and pat him before he was off to his next round. Horses in the city were quite a rarity.

I can recall going to Greeley Park and rustling in piles of leaves as a little kid or playing touch football from noon to dusk as a teen. Greeley is a special treasure for Nashua citizens and should be appreciated for what it truly is, a place to go for those who want to relax and enjoy what mother nature has to offer, especially those living in the inner city, who may not have a large parcel of land.

For football fans, the start of the NFL season is close to a becoming national holiday. And schoolboy football, hopefully, is back after the Covid hiatus of 2020. As the promo says, “Are you ready for some football?”

But then, fall also prompts us to encounter some of the “real” joys of living in New England: winter preparation. For those with pools, it’s time to put the aquatic fun behind and close them, store all pool toys and floats, and get ready for the big freeze. The same goes for irrigation systems. Water in the lines brings headaches in the spring. Not unlike some of God’s little creatures, lawns prepare for dormancy and appreciate that last winterization feeding too. For those with wood stoves, it’s time to ensure the chimney is clean, the wood is dry, stacked and covered and kindling is at the ready. Get the snow blowers and generators serviced and cars winterized.

Is the house ready for old man winter? Are windows caulked, insulation up to snuff, storm doors and exterior paint ready? Are salt, sand, shovels, and scrapers (both car and driveway) good to go? Are garden hoses disconnected and stored? Oh, and it’s time to pick up some extra batteries for the long haul. I know, a lot of work. But people down south hastily need to board up their houses in preparation for hurricanes. At least we get advanced notice.

And of course, we should all prepare for the onslaught of leaf peepers descending upon our state. When dodging traffic on route 93 or waiting in lines at toll plazas, try to keep in mind that the display of natural art we natives enjoy as a matter of fact, is a real treat for those who hail from other parts of the country. And while visiting, they bring revenue to our state!

I recently noticed a sign in a local gift shop with the words, “Enjoy the little things now because one day you will realize they were the big things.” How genuine that is. Things like walking home from school when “true colors” abound, and air so crisp you could slice it with a knife, having to tuck your chin into your coat, fasten another button or pull that zipper up just a notch to ward off a chill, or the smell of wood smoke wafting in the air, now seem like much bigger things than they once were.

Don Canney is a freelance writer and professional voice artist. He was born and raised in downtown Nashua with great interest in Nashua history circa 1950-1970. He now resides in Litchfield.