Yes, indeed. Autumn is here. That maple is going to be pretty spectacular when all the leaves have changed color. I took this on my, for lack of a better word, ‘power’ walk. Why the heck I haven’t been doing this the entire time I’ve been here is beyond me. We don’t have sidewalks in my neighborhood back home and it sure is handy to have not only sidewalks, but a park, right across the street from where I’m staying.
That orange/gold/brown color is such a memory-stirrer for me. I grew up in Michigan and autumn meant the beginning of school and one new skirt and sweater that I was determined to wear despite the still-warm temperatures. It meant walking to school amidst the crackle of fallen leaves, the golden light that only comes in fall, football games and marching bands, candy corn and sweaters, cooler temperatures, crisper air. I think that when one is younger, autumn can mean a fresh start, a new beginning – that’s what school always meant for me. But as I grow older, the change into autumn can make me melancholy. Same thing for Don. Because I garden, summer has become my favorite season; the advent of autumn means the end of all that. It also means that winter is around the corner. Winters are hard where I live. And they’re long. The days are shorter. Darkness comes all too quickly.
I didn’t realize until I was choosing the photos for this post that the flowers on my coffee table are the same color as the leaves on that tree. I must have instinctively chosen a fall palette because I sure didn’t think about it when I was buying them at Trader Joe’s.
Oh, Autumn, you are lovely but I’m not ready for you. I’m not ready for the relentless march toward Winter. I’m not ready for shorter days, for having to turn the heat on, for the shoveling that lies just around the corner, for boots and cold days.
I’m simply not.
How do you feel about the change of seasons? Is there a seasonal change that is hard for you? Or do you thrive on those changes?
Happy Tuesday.
By the time September rolls around, I am usually quite ready for cooler weather. Where we live (northern plains) by December, it will be dark before 5:00 and cold, and snowy. During the fall, my husband and I compare ourselves to a pair of squirrels, gathering nuts to store over the cold winter months, we change out our screens for storm windows, blow out the water lines in the yard, put down ‘fall fertilizer’ as well as clean up all of those fallen leaves… store the lawn furniture for another time and get ready to ‘settle in’. I love this time of year and the many cozy days ahead. I’ll try to bake more, knit and read more. I will admit that by February, I’m rather tired of it and long for spring and then onto the long-lazy days of summer…….
The nesting part of it is nice, isn’t it?
Autumn makes me melancholy. Fifty years ago, my mother passed away at the end of August. The funeral was held the first day of the new school year. Several years ago, my son passed away in the middle of September. I’d like to skip Autumn and Winter and go straight into Spring and the daffodils blooming. But I can’t, so I endure.
I understand, Linda. My brother passed away 22 years ago on September 4th. It changes everything, doesn’t it?
I love autumn. I don’t like hot weather, and welcome cooler weather in September.
I grew up in the Midwest, and really miss the beautiful colors in the leaves of the Maples and Oaks. In Colorado, we have lots of gold leaves, but that’s about all.
I love being able to have a month with no air conditioning and no heat. I love the crisp days. Like you, I don’t love the winter, and can’t wait for spring, which doesn’t come to the Rockies until May.
I look forward to the first fire in the antique stove, baking more, making winter dishes like stew. Love looking forward to Christmas, and the beautiful decorations and the beautiful music.
Each season has it’s special aspects. I try to relish what is in the present, but by February, I will be longing for a change in the weather.
I wish we had an antique stove or a fireplace – I suspect I would love snuggling in even more. The first few snowfalls are always beautiful and much appreciated – the rest? Not so much!
Had to turn the heat on this morning / it was 45 degrees out! I slept fine ( window open! : ) but when I came downstairs…chilly as could be. Felt more like Thanksgiving than the beginning of fall and this is not the first time this month that we’ve had abnormal low temps so I am not ready for this no!!! :) We seem to go from one extreme to the other this month :)
I’ll bet that you can’t wait to get home ( Soon Soon SOON ! :)
It’s been downright nippy at night here – even more, I think, back home. I don’t think Don has turned on the heat yet.
I’m debating whether to hang out here until Saturday or go home on Thursday. I’m only hanging around for opening night and, frankly, I don’t feel the need to be there.
Hi Claudia, We have talked about this before,Fall is like the end of “it all for me too! I know it wasn’t always that way. I remember being excited for Halloween and Christmas. Somewhere along the way that changed,and now I’m in despair! I was in tears reading your post. of course it doesn’t take much for that to happen these days either. I believe you will be going home soon? I hope you have a safe and happy Journey.
– Judy A-
Oh, don’t cry, Judy! Hang in there, my friend.
I absolutely love Fall. I am not a fan of a single aspect of Winter. Spring is always disappointing as it tries to transition, and I find the days it slips back toward Winter makes me kind of angry!! Summer is fabulous. Gardening and the results, give such joy. I am not a fan of the humidity, but most everything in our lives offers AC, so we can usually stay comfortable. But, Fall, even though the plants are dying back, and the trees are changing colors and losing their leaves, and I know we are about to confront Winter ~~ always gives me the feeling of renewal. Maybe it is that back to school feeling. My husband has taught for 35+ years, so it continues at our house. It is that nesting instinct that seems to kick in with cleaning, purging, baking, etc. This morning the sun is shining brightly, but it is only about 52* and the high should be 72*. Just perfect!!
I love the light in fall and the crisp air, that’s for sure. And the leaves are gorgeous! I will be going home soon and I will be purging for sure!
I was telling someone the other day that fall made me feel a little sad and I didn’t know why. I think you pretty much explained it…the end of summer. I just feel more “alive” in the summer and in the winter, I guess I feel shut off from the world! And with the other seasonal changes, it’s always about renewal and then just the opposite with fall.
I hope you have a safe trip home, I know you must be so looking forward to it! :)
XO,
Jane
Shut off from the world is a great way to put it. We feel that, especially since we live in the country. I understand, Jane!
I love Autumn but alas, it is too short. We are enjoying every minute of it here in Ontario. The trees are turning fast and the breeze is cool and refreshing. Our dog, Kane gives it ‘two paws up’.
I think Scout does, too! The cooler weather is much easier on our pets, isn’t it?
Hi Claudia,
I am a lover of fall, too. I remember going to the Franklin cider mill, getting freshly pressed apple cider and donuts and eating them while standing on the bridge that went over that cute little stream. These are the times when I really miss home the most. Kansas City has “fake” cider mills with imported apple cider (juice), petting zoos and rides for the kiddies. What ever happened to just getting outside and walking and enjoying the beauty of nature? Now everyone has to be entertained.
Any way, love your photos and the memories of home.
Vanessa
I remember that cider mill, Vanessa! A real treat every autumn. Here in the Hudson Valley, we are known for apple orchards and cider – there are several orchards within a few miles of my house – so we can pick apples, make a pie and drink some cider. It’s a real tourist attraction, too. The roads into our are jammed on the weekends.
I am very MUCH looking forward to cooler temps…shorter days, and COOLING DOWN!
We’ve actually had the windows opened since Saturday…and sleeping with the window open at night in the bedroom–so nice!
We usually have Fall right up til Christmas here…and there are hardly ever any white Christmases that I can recall.
I’m looking forward to Fall gardening hopefully w/o the interference of the hoppers. Growing some nice cool weather veggies! (the hoppers ate the leaves so nothing showy for us)
From the last part of December to Mid February is about all the rigid cold temps we get…it just doesn’t last long…then SPRING! Fall and Spring are my favorites!!!
Claudia– I always love seeing your beautiful pictures. The flowers in the vase are gorgeous. Will it take you long to pack up? You’ve almost MOVED IN there in the little apartment?
I hope you have safe travels home, regardless when you decide to leave.
Pat
I’m pretty fast when packing up the apartment. It’s loading up the car from an 8th floor apartment that will take a while!
Living in So Cal I’m not going to miss summer and the heat we’ve had. And I loved your memories of growing up in Michigan in the fall! Being raised in Flint mom would take me to town in late August and buy me a skirt and sweater also, new shoes, of course. I loved the box pleated skirts. And of course I’d be so eager to wear them the first day of school, even though it might be 80 out! I can still smell potatoes baking in piles of leaves that were burning when we could still do that!
You’ve had a really hot summer, Annette! I’m so glad you reminded me of the potatoes baking! I hadn’t thought about that in years!
I love all seasons summer being last on m list. Winter is fun for all the snow sports and I love to downhill ski. I am looking forward to more bonfires and chili eating for Fall and Spring washes everything anew.
Don and I do absolutely no winter sports so that might contribute to us not liking winter! But my neighbors across the street are big downhill skiers (she used to compete) so they LOVE winter. I do love the smell of a bonfire or a fireplace!
Claudia
We just passed through Michigan and the colors are starting there as well.
I love Fall, but our winters are way too long too.
It was May before the snow was melted here.
Pretty flowers you chose to brighten your home away from home.
I only buy flowers at Trader Joe’s because they are so inexpensive. Otherwise, I go without!
Just thought you might like to know, your Alstromeria color’s name is ‘Orange Queen’…:)
Perfect! Thanks, Lori!
I keep reading on blogs about how happy people are that fall is here. Not me. To me fall is a harbinger of winter. I detest driving in and shoveling snow. Which, by the way, is a four letter word to me. Fall also means that very soon it will be dark by 3:15 in the afternoon, not to lighten up again until after 8:00 the next morning for 7 short hours of daylight. That is depressing.
But I adore spring with it’s promise of the summer to come. So I limp through fall and winter, waiting for springtime.
Blessings,
Betsy
I find I like driving in snow less and less. I used to be fairly fearless about it when I was young, but not anymore! And both Don and I really have trouble with it getting dark so early. I’m with you! I love fall for its beauty but all the while I know what’s coming around the bend and that ain’t good!
I welcome the change of seasons! Here, in Wisconsin, it’s also a change of lifestyle. There’s the yard clean-up to do, making sure your windows and doors are properly sealed, having the chimney cleaned so you can have a fire going on those chilly nights…and the gradual stocking of the pantry and freezer so you don’t have to rush out in the snow, or blizzard, to get some missing ingredient! And, quite frankly, I’m just ready for cooler temps and cozying up, and homemade chicken soup…now, that’s a cooler season meal to me! ;)
Yep. Same here. We have tons of leaves to rake, we have to clear out the gutters once a week because of the leaves, we have to get heating oil for the burner – none of which I like to do!! I’m glad you love the change of seasons, Donna!
I live in upstate New York and prefer FALL and SPRING for the very welcome changes to cold and heat that they provide. Fall is tops in my book. Having been in education all my life [either as a consumer or a provider – LOL] I feel that September is really the beginning of the year. And I could do Fall 9 months each year. With a palate-cleansing 3-months of chilly, rainy [no snow] winter. Fall brings stunning colors, cooler, crisper air and temperatures that make me WANT to me active again with all those preparations for WInter that women have been doing for centuries. Hunkering down, as it were. And Spring brings the re-birth of the natural world and the end of Winter’s grays and browns and slushy whites. Summer is wonderful until it becomes tropical as it usually does for a while at least. As for Winter, I just say “thank you, no…” :>)
Oh, I love fall. If we went right from fall to spring, I’d be a happy camper. Alas, Mother Nature doesn’t agree with my idea and so Old Man Winter will knock at my door in the next few months!
I would give anything for a beautiful tree changing color and a bit of cooler air.
Hugs,
Mere
Come on up anytime! You can have your fill1
I wish I looked forward to winter like I did when I was younger. I think I started dreading winter when I was around 50 (15 years ago). I don’t think anything really changed in my life, just my attitude. I worry about the electricity going off. We were without heat and lights for four days about 5 or 6 years ago. I could see my breath in the kitchen. I didn’t find it an adventure, just scary. A person could die of the cold. I don’t bounce back from adversity like I used to. Maybe it is just getting older. I prepare for winter by having enough of everything in the house to see us through an emergency. I am going to try to enjoy the snow and cold and not worry about eventualities. I let you know how I did in March.
I understand. I get worried about the power going out. We have a well that has an electric pump and if that doesn’t work…no water. And no heat. And every year we have to deal with the pipes freezing – there’s one section of the crawlspace that doesn’t have enough insulation. I understand, Tana, I understand!
Oh Claudia, you wrote exactly how I feel. The beauty of fall is beyond compare BUT it reminds me that winter is around the corner and I really hate winter. Your pictures are beautiful. I actually gasped at the one of the trees (even surprised myself doing it) but the beauty was breath taking. Thanks for the pics.
That tree is really beautiful, isn’t it, Sue?
Love those beautiful trees and your flowers – all very “Fally” – is that a word? I love Fall if Winter wasn’t so close behind, it would be perfect. I love the trees changing, and the cooler temps plus the ability to get out and enjoy all of nature. We always go over into Arkansas to War Eagle Mills for a huge craft show. The pumpkin patches, the grist mill and all of the gorgeous trees just make you in awe of the scenery. But, in the back of my mind, I’m always thinking – but, wait, winter comes next. Yuck! Guess I just need to quit doing that and be grateful for each and every day no matter the temps.
Know you are anxious to get home. Travel safe!
Judy
Same thing with me, Judy. Love fall, but I know that means winter is on the way! You’re right – we need to be grateful for all the seasons!
Spring and Fall are the only seasons I need thank you..lol..I would be happy if I never had to experience Winter again..dark, dreary, cold, icy, depressing, blah..do not need it..lol
I like the beginning of winter, just not the middle of it!
That tree and your flowers are wonderful harbingers of Fall, Claudia. Just gorgeous colors that make me realize that summer really is over. I love Fall but dread Winter. It is long and cold here in the Midwest and I have never liked the cold. I do like snow on Christmas Day -other than that I want it to go away!;>) I do love summer though and am having a hard time letting it go this year- xo Diana
Me too, Diana. And since I’ve been away almost 2 months, I feel like I lost part of the summer because I was away from my garden.
Because I only truly experienced all four seasons as a child in Canada, I love when the weather changes here, CA and in FL, where we used to live. I love when it gets cooler, darker, windy. I think it’s just because it’s different and I can feel that yes we are indeed making progress into the year. I hope this winter is a milder one for your, Claudia. What a lovely park to walk through. Ann
It is a nice park and I’m grateful it’s here, Ann!
Even though I’m loving this weather – cooler temps but lots of sunshine – I feel the same way you do about fall. I am already disliking the fact that it gets dark much earlier and that the mornings are so cold when I wake up. I know what’s right around the corner and I’m absolutely dreading it. The older I get, the more I hate winter and living in the Chicago area during that season. Fall is also sad for me because Phil passed away in the fall (tomorrow is the anniversary date of his death); he was hospitalized in the fall when he was 16 and it was a very stressful and emotional time for all of us; and my dad passed away in the fall, too.
Autumn is my most favorite season. I love the crisp, cool air. I want to make pots of soup, and bake bread, wear sweaters, and light candles. Next is spring, then winter. Summer doesn’t even make my list!
I love the changes altho I’d be happy with fall all year around..I detest summer..
Spring is Here !