Brrrr…it’s officially Autumn

Around here, we are spoiled to summers that extend right into October. The nights start getting cooler mid-September, typically, but the days stay nice and warm for quite awhile. It’s nothing unusual to go to the pumpkin patch in short-sleeve shirts or even shorts. This year we had a week in October with temperatures in the mid-80s during the week. No complaints here as I am a summer loving girl! Well, those teaser days of summer are behind us now. It’s officially Autumn. The air has a nice crisp to it in the mornings and evening. The leaves are really putting on a brillant display. Occasionally you can spot curls of smoke arising from homes that have wood-burning fireplaces. Kids are going to school in their jackets. Warm blankets are brought to Friday night football games. Autumn has arrived!

As much as I admit to loving summer, I enjoy this time of year too. While I am certainly not a fan of being cold, I do enjoy those cool crisp evenings and mornings. My favorite way to sleep is when the room is somewhat cold and I can curl up under a big pile of blankets. Ahhh!! I love seeing the leaves as they change from green to these fiery hues of orange, yellow, gold and brown.  I love smelling backyard fires, especially when we have one in our backyard fire ring. I enjoy getting to wear clothees that are not the same old things we’ve worn all summer. I like getting out my boots and wearing them with jeans and skirts. Sipping hot chocolate and apple cider are a nice change even though I do enjoy my coffee. Perhaps my favorite thing about autumn is our annual family trip to the apple orchard and pumpkin farm which we start looking forward to in the summertime. There is much to love about this time of year.

There is just something about autumn gives me a renewal of spirit. It’s a time to shake off those lingering “lazy days of summer” and to get out and enjoy little pieces of God’s beautiful creations.  This is a time of year when things are busy and fun. You can always find something fun to do such as visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches. It’s a great time to go to zoos and parks. What better time to hit hiking trails? And, let’s not forget fall festivals which are always fun.

I’m glad to get to savor this time of year. We don’t always get a true fall around here, but this year we really seem to have one and our family is really enjoying it all!