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 (okay, we have gas logs, but there’s a REAL fireplace at the farm!) or the firepit outside.
• Scuffling through crunchy, crackly leaves. Maybe even jumping into a pile of them! (Although I’m no longer a fan of bits of leaves in my underwear.)
• Apples! Apple pies, applesauce, apple chutney, apple cider . . .
• Goldenrod, joe pye weed, ironweed, and asters growing along dusty roads.
• Milkweed pods send seeds floating through the air.
• 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. (Ummmm–my husband trading the lawn mower for the rake.)
• Pumpkins and mums everywhere!

I could go on–and on and on! What’s your favorite thing about fall?