It's been months since I wrote in this blog. I had so much to write about, but I just couldn't sit down and do it. I'd only get as far as a title before writer's block or some other excuse or distraction came along.
But today is October 1, 2022. Autumn started a few days ago, and with it has come the rain we coveted all summer, and cool temperatures that have made the house chilly and the outdoors uninviting.
What am I complaining about? I was pining for both rain and cool weather for months, and my wish has come true. I should be doing a happy dance with a cup of pumpkin spice coffee in my hand. So this post will include all the things I embrace in autumn. Hopefully it will convince me that I do in fact love fall, and before I know it, the year will be over anyway.
The first thing I love about fall is a no brainer: the change of colors to reds, oranges and yellows. Never mind the drab and dreary browns that come way too soon. I enjoy the crisp dry air with the smell of hickory, and the sound of acorns pinging as they hit the rooftops and people's cars. While I feel sad watching the wind blow all the leaves off the trees, the exposed branches look amazing against a beautiful sunset that is now much easier to see.
I guess autumn is a time of adjustment for most people, not just me. It can be unsettling to realize how fast the year has gone by, and how quickly the long hours of daylight have evaporated. It's more like dread for me-beware of darkness. The nights are already too long, and it's a little depressing to know what's coming.
It goes without saying that Fall is about the end of summer, and watching things wither and die isn't my idea of a good time. The drought was enough of a strain on my garden as it was. The plants have run their course much sooner than usual. But I do have lots of flower bulbs coming soon, and I can look forward to seeing them in the spring. The cloudy grey skies and raw chilly weather dampen my spirits. But I'll try to pretend I'm happy inside in my cozy house with some cocoa, curl up with my cat and a good book, or make a batch of cookies now that it won't heat up the house too much to turn on the oven.
Once it's cool, it's time to think about foods we haven't had in a long time. Comfort foods like pot roast, beef stew, roast chicken, chili. And seasonal offerings like candy apples and apple cider donuts. I find the whole "pumpkin spice movement" a little annoying, but it's not without its tasty charm. I can see why people fall in love with that blend of flavors.
To me, autumn is about getting ready for winter: getting the yard cleaned up, thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Halloween seems to be an obsession for many people. It doesn't mean much to me, but I don't mind if other people love it. We don't get many trick or treaters here because there's no sidewalk on this street.
What do you like about fall? Do you find it sad to see summer end, or are you happy to be rid of it? Whatever your feelings are, I hope you have a few reasons to enjoy it. Like everything, it moves fast enough and will be gone soon.
