Saturday, October 11, 2008

Fall just has that satisfying crunch

Nat Holland El Defensor Chieftain Reporter, nholland@dchieftain.com

It's that time of year again — the time when I have to start wearing a coat and my llama wool hat to stay warm at games.

The cold is not a bad thing at all. My hair is, though, when I get around to taking my hat off.

The best part about the cold, is that sound seems to travel just a bit more clearly. The impact of two football players colliding on a warm August day with the sun still hanging just over the horizon doesn't seem to sound quite the same as it does under a crisp, clear October night.

Crunch ...

The sound and feel of lightly frosted turf with the blades of grass that snap and give way with just a little hesitation under the pressure of a cleat.

Crunch ...

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for a good football game in the snow (you can blame any typos I make on that). The sound of feet crossing through a fresh, untarnished patch of snow.

Crunch, crunch, crunch ...

I may have to be the one on the sideline watching and listening to the fun during games, but I can hope to find a nice frozen puddle on the way back to the car.

Crunch ...

The big Styrofoam clappers that make a dull thumping noise in the summer heat ring out with a loud POP in the cold.

A cold soccer ball rings with a slightly higher pitch when kicked and then the dull smack as it bounces off the hands of a goalie because his fingers are just a little too numb to grip the ball.

Then there is the slippery swishing slide that happens when someone loses their traction and slides out on slick grass.

Not all the noises the cold brings are as much fun as the others. Fans huddled with coats and blankets while the cold aluminum bleachers drain the warmth from their fannies and their teeth go click-a-click-a-click.

A frozen soccer ball makes a painful slap as it leaves its impression and a stinging sensation on cold flesh that will feel the tingling pain for several unending minutes.

The sniff-sniff-snuffle of a bystander suffering from a cumbersome cold.

Stiff fingers that don't want to move anymore.

Crunch ...

When your fingers start to crunch — it might be time to get that cup of hot chocolate or coffee from the concession stand and suck in the warmth.

And when all the fun outside is done, those lucky enough to have fireplaces can go home and listen to the satisfying sounds of being warm again.

The fire gives off its warm glow as the logs crackle and occasionally pop — then a contented, drawn-out sigh as the chill dissipates.

Popcorn kernels exploding as they heat up.

Crunch, pop, crunch ...

Yeah — I think I'm ready for a nice cold fall.

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