The end of Summer is here, and with that, the beginning of Fall is right around the corner. I find myself taking more and more time lately to enjoy the changes that each season brings.
Here are some of the reasons I love Fall.
1. Fall Foliage
The beautiful colors of the Autumn leaves can be simply breathtaking. It astounds me how the scenery on my drive to work each morning can change so quickly as Fall arrives.
I lived in the Upper Peninsula for a couple of years while attending Michigan Technological University. During the Autumn months, my parents would always ask me what the trees looked like. I would shrug and answer something like, “They’re pretty. They look nice.” I didn’t appreciate the multitude of brilliance and color as I do now that I’m older.
2. Autumn Recipes
With Fall recipes, I think of food choices being cozy and warm. It wouldn’t be fall without picking apples and making homemade apple cobbler. If you add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm cobbler straight out of the oven, it’s even better.
Growing up, our family cut wood to heat the house. Autumn was a time that we really started to get out into the fields and start working with the wood. When Dad and us kids would come home after hauling a couple of loads of wood, Mom would usually have homemade stew waiting for us. That would be another one of those things I didn’t fully appreciate as a child.
3. Crisp Air & Fires in the Fireplace
I absolutely enjoy the warmth that comes with Summer, but there’s something to be said about snuggling up with a blanket in front of a fire. You can see magic in the flames, if you look close enough – pictures, dancing above the logs.
There’s also a sense of comfort, when a person bundles up to go out in the crisp, Autumn air. It just feels good to be all wrapped up and warm in the cold air.
4. Halloween
Halloween is a tricky one for me. I almost did not add it to my list of things I enjoy about Fall. It is really not my favorite holiday, although I decorate more on Halloween than I do at any other time in the school year.
I’m a teacher, and Halloween brings a piece of chaos to the day (week) that can be difficult to deal with sometimes. What Halloween does though, is add magic for the children. They enjoy thinking about what, or who, they can pretend to be. Each child is only limited by their imagination. Smiles are big and bright, and tummy’s are full with too much candy. Halloween is a win for me simply because how happy children are when the day finally arrives.
5. Friday Night Lights!
It wouldn’t be Fall without Football! The sport brings me a great sense of joy (as well as sorrow, depending on the score). I enjoy hearing the announcer over the sound system. I love watching and listening to the teams cheer each other on. Even the sound of the refs’ whistles makes me smile.
I enjoy watching my children play, but I also love watching college games on Saturday and NFL on Sunday. To me, it’s like listening to the radio while cleaning the house. Soothing.
6. Autumn Harvest Festivals
Harvest Festivals can be jam-packed with fun. Usually the event calls for some apple cider and a pumpkin donut. If you are lucky, there will be hayrides.
Hayrides add a sense of adventure to Fall. The straw can be prickly, and the ride can be bumpy, but the quick trip through the fields or the woods is something all ages can enjoy!
Fall is Here
I’m ready for Fall to begin. I have my hayride blanket ready and my gloves are in my coat pocket. My dad and I will be driving soon to our favorite Nursery and Garden Center where they sell amazing pumpkin donuts this time of year. Life is good.
Goals for Today:
- Pack for the Upcoming Holiday Weekend
- Create 5 Pinterest Pins to go out Tomorrow
- Spend Some Time in my Cabin