(re-post)
At this time of year, mid-September, leaves begin to furl like an umbrella being folded. But there the resemblance ends for leaves have been open, spring and summer, not as an uninvolved shield for the sun and wind and rain, but as a wholehearted participant in photosynthesis (isn't that a splendid word!) to nourish tree and fruit. They have been landing and launching and lunching pads for bugs. At times, in a playful partnership with the wind, they have startled the smugness of a mere mortal by dropping down chunks of sun or droplets of rain.
Now those leaves are turning in on themselves and allowing the sun and wind and rain more access to the fruit. These are King apples in the front garden, beginning to respond to more exposure with a blush.