Ode to Fall

Before I get started on one of my favorite topics, autumn, let me address some of the goofy issues I’ve had with my comments.  Now that they ARE working, they’re still in a weird place - at the top of each post, not the bottom.  It’s related to the template I chose, and I’ve tried to fix it, but it won’t be fixed.  So, I’ll ditch this template soon, and design something different, but that task won’t fit on today’s ‘To Do’ list.  Until then, you’ll just have to scroll back up to leave a comment.

Now, onto the fun stuff!  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I begin daydreaming about fall (or autumn - whichever you prefer to call it.  I like both names!) way back in August, okay, maybe even as early as July.  I am so glad that God created our world with such a variety, but of the four seasons, fall is by far my favorite!

Some of my family's fall fun

Why is it my favorite?  For the simple reason that it LOOKS GOOD, FEELS GOOD, SOUNDS GOOD, SMELLS GOOD, AND TASTES GOOD!  I really think that autumn (see how I switched up which name I used - keeping you on your toes!) is a smorgasbord of delights for all of the senses.  In case you’re not convinced of this yet, or you just like to muse on how wonderful fall is also, I’ve brainstormed everything that I love about fall and broken them down into the categories of our five senses.  Maybe this list will stir you to enjoy something new about autumn this year!

Looks Good

• Leaves - Turning amazing colors of gold, orange, and red
• Pumpkins - They’re just plain adorable.
• Home decor - I love decorating with natural things, like pumpkins, gourds, leaves, acorns, indian corn.
• Flowers - Mums and other fall flowers add nice touches of color indoors and out.
• Bright green grass - The grass is so brilliantly green this time of year, love it!

Feels Good

• Fresh cool air - After the sweltering heat of August, the crisp cool air is so refreshing!
• Warm fires - If you get a little chilled, the best way to warm up is next to a fire.
• Socks - I love sandals, but slipping warm socks on again in the fall feels really good.
• Sweaters - Same thing goes for sweaters; I love pulling them out again, so cozy!

Sounds Good

• Crunching leaves - Who doesn’t love that sound?  I purposely kick them up with my feet when I walk through them.
• Crackling fire - One of life’s simplest pleasures!  Wasn’t it good of God to make a source of heat that cooks food, looks pretty, smells good, and sounds good (this one fits many categories!)?
• Wind - I love the sound of the wind rustling through the trees on an autumn day.
• Rain - I hear some groans on this one, but I love the sound, look, and smell of rain.
• Beautiful music - This is a good time of year for pretty instrumental music, Celtic music, or romantic jazz.

Smells Good

• Candles - I love the smells of spices and pumpkin, not to mention the glow (personal favs: Yankee’s Pumpkin Spice, Autumn Leaves, and Fall Festival (apparently Yankee has the same dilemma I do between 'fall'/'autumn'))
• Wet leaves - I know they stick to your shoes and get tracked inside, but they do smell good!
• Fireplaces/Firepits - I know, I’ve covered this already, but I LOVE sitting by a fire.
• Damp morning air - I just think the air this time of year smells amazing!

Tastes Good (if you weren’t convinced that fall was great before, this list should do it for you!)

• Apples - Pies, crisps, cider, cider donuts, caramel apples, apple pancakes; need I say more?
• Pumpkin - Pumpkin pie, bread, scones, pancakes, ice cream, soup, and crisp (yes, crisp. I have a great recipe for Pumpkin Crisp that I’ll have to post)
• Spices - Cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, cloves; they all taste and smell great!
• Maple - Maple syrup (real, not Mrs. Butterworth’s) is always yummy, but especially now.  Try it over homemade oatmeal, in vinaigrettes, or on bread pudding!
• Pecans - Pecan pie is my personal favorite, but pecans are great in salads, breads, pancakes, etc.
• Pork - I love pork with fried apples, applesauce, or sauteed peaches!  Add in some mashed potatoes, and you’re set!
• Coffee - Pumpkin latte, Maple latte, or Cinnamon Dolce latte anyone?

If I missed one of your favorites, please let me know!  I'm always looking to enjoy fall/autumn as much as possible.

Some visual reminders of autumn's joys!