FALL IN
There is a slight nip in the air as the fall season announces itself. Usually, as soon as my feet hit the floor, I open wide all of the windows upstairs. This morning the hunt for a warm sweatshirt was my first priority. In the Northern Hemisphere, this year’s season of fall spans from September 22 – December 21. I am all in for what fall will bring, but I also find it to be bittersweet. There will be less sunlight, as the days get shorter. Nevertheless, I am confident each shortened day will bring something memorable. Though I prefer the hot slow days of summer, I look forward to the changing of seasons. Fall brings its own landscape of colors. The reds, oranges, and golden yellow leaves on trees are a beauty to behold. As well as the brightly colored crops ready for harvest. Watching our grandchildren play in Darrel’s carefully raked piles of leaves is the best. The look on their faces when they learn they will have to rake the leaves back up is priceless.
Darrel says that fall is his favorite time of the year. The weather cools off, the leaves change, and he can wear his sweaters and suits. (Yep, the brother did say suits. Where is he going?) This is the time that he starts gathering and getting his firewood ready for the winter. He puts away the lawn furniture, preps his garden beds, and gets some of his plants ready to bring inside of the house. He also prepares the house and the cars for the colder weather coming our way. Darrel says then he can relax and enjoy the colors. That is his favorite part, the fall colors. He says he is extremely grateful to live where we are and to be able to take in the abundance of beauty that surrounds us.
I questioned and then for the first time ever, researched why fall is referred to as autumn. I learned, originally this season was called harvest. Later, in the 1300’s, the word autumn was favored. In the 1500’s, the term fall became popular. Poets who were fascinated with the season, influenced the use of the word fall. They wrote about the changes the season brought and the falling leaves. The use of the words autumn and fall both originated in Britain and are used interchangeably. The phrase autumn is mostly used in England. While fall is more commonly used in the United States. (That is my 5 cents history lesson, folks.)
It is something about the fall season that makes me want to put together jigsaw puzzles. I will set up several around the house. As soon as one is completed, I will set up a new one. Early fall is the perfect time for me to comfortably stretch out in my car and read for hours while snuggled with my blankie. A pleasant aroma that will soon fill the air is the smell of burning wood (safely and contained.) Conversations will be held around fire pits and bonfires keeping everyone cozy and extending the time spent outdoors. Early morning walks along tree-lined streets are particularly enjoyable as I listen to the sound of leaves crunching under my feet. Sitting outside with a hot cup of coffee somehow is a little more elevated. It seems the cooler morning air makes the coffee smell and taste better. The warmth from the cup in my hands is soothing. I also look forward to the beginning of yummy hearty meals. Chilis, stews, beans, and soups sopped up with Darrel’s homemade biscuits. Just the thought makes me hum. There is much to look forward to in the days ahead. There are a few projects that I put off finishing during the summer and claimed I would get to them in the fall. Now I am thinking about all of my puzzles waiting to be assembled, books waiting to be read, conversations with others to be had, walks to be taken, and other activities to be enjoyed. It will be a miracle if those unfinished projects get completed… by me.
Speaking of miracles, on September 25 in the year of our Lord 2021, I looked out the window and saw Darrel and Ron mowing their lawns at the exact same time. I told y’all, fall would bring us something memorable.
(Okay, I might be stretching that miracle business with Darrel and Ron a bit. It is a wonder though. See for yourself at http://AnDweplant.com/blog/start-your-engines.)
Happy Harvest, Autumn, and Fall be sure to enjoy them all!
Amanda🍁🍂
Fall trees Photo by Pixabay from Pexels; Thumbnail Photo by Nikolaeva Nastia from Pexels
