Fall is my favorite time of year. And as I get out and take Thistle for walks, or write with the windows open, I’m definitely seeing signs that it’s right around the corner. Now that it’s September, I thought I’d take a moment to list some of my favorite blessings of autumn in Appalachia:
- Cool, crisp air that makes me want to breathe deep and turn my eyes to the sky.
- That brilliant, blue sky!
- Gorgeously colored leaves standing in sharp contrast to the expanse of blue.
- Those leaves that land on the sidewalk and leave rusty outlines behind.
- Building a fire–in the fireplace inside or the firepit outside.
- Scuffling through crunchy, crackly leaves. Maybe even jumping into a pile of them!
- Apples! Apple pies, applesauce, apple chutney, apple cider . . .
- Goldenrod, joe pye weed, ironweed, and asters growing along dusty roads.
- Milkweed pods!
- Finally being able to wear sweaters again. (Next spring, I’ll be glad to finally put the sweaters away, but let’s live in the moment!)
- Trading the lawn mower for the rake.
- Pumpkins and mums gracing garden centers.
I could go on–and on and on! What’s your favorite thing about fall?
Warm days, crisp nights, and that blaze of fiery color of the trees. I used to be a summer person but I’m learning to love autumn.
Spring is beginning to be a close second for me–all those lovely flowers!
Crisp, cool weather and the color of the leaves.
The essence of autumn!
Im super jealous! Im from Florida and we barely get fall, sometimes in like November/December we get fall-ish weather and its amazing. My husband and I wanna move somewhere that has seasons and Im so excited to find a place to experience actual fall!!!! Its my favorite season as well!
My first year of college on the coast of SC, I brought a garbage bag of leaves to school with me after fall break. Never did get used to that lack of seasonal change!
Love the crisp cool mornings and can’t wait to be rid of these 90 degree temps! What is Joe pyre weed, that’s one I have not heatd!
No more 90s! I agree! Joe Pye is the tall, muted purple flower that grows in meadows this time of the year. The deeper purple is ironweed. Joe Pye is also called Queen of the Meadow because it grows so tall.