The
first day of fall arrived last Friday...finally. I love to
experience the changing seasons and this is one of my favorites.
When I was working in tourism, autumn was our busiest time of year.
With so many meetings, events, bus tours, tournaments and festivals,
I really didn't get to enjoy the season. Now I have time to
experience the things that make fall so wonderful. Here are a few of
my favorites.
Warm
Days, Cool Nights – Windows open kind of weather is fabulously
refreshing. Highs in the 70's and lows around 55 are the best. I
air out the house, sleep with windows open, and let the air
conditioner rest after a long hot summer. Sitting on the porch with
a cup of coffee in the mornings is just perfect! And it's time to pull out a quilt or two.
Football
– I haven't always been a huge fan, but as I've learned more about
the strategies and rules, it's fun to watch some college and NFL
games. Having the DVR gives me control of when I want to sit down to
enjoy with a big bowl of popcorn.
Festivals
& Events – There are many options when it comes to fall
events in Tennessee. This year I'm adding a few new ones to my
itinerary, like last Saturday's Handmade Harvest in Bethpage. (It
was a great first year event, plan to go next year.) Quite a few of
them are scheduled at the same time, which makes it difficult to choose.
You simply can't attend more than one or two in a day!
Nature's
Color – Observing the changing leaves is one of the best things
about fall. Sometimes I think they must have done it overnight.
Bright reds, yellows, browns and oranges decorate the landscape and create
beautiful photo opportunities. Some flowers wilted by the hot summer
sun perk up again for a last show of blooms, and happy mums begin to
show their faces.
Sweaters
& Flannel – I'm an absolute sucker for a pretty sweater,
even though I am sort of warm natured. It must be the textures and
rich dark colors that get me. I love soft flannel shirts, comfy hoodies
and quilted vests too.
Yummy
Fall Scents – Cinnamon, cloves, apples, hot chocolate, crushed leaves, moist
air after a rain, mums, and more give my senses a treat. On a
recent country drive, the smoky scent of tobacco being fired in a
barn took me back to my grandaddy's farm.
Useful Notion: Don't
get so busy in your life that you forget to notice the beauty and
peacefulness of fall. Use all your senses and take it in!
I
cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by
staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in
the open air.
– Nathaniel
Hawthorne
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