Falling Leaves

November is here! I see a rake and a leaf blower in my immediate future. Nothing like rain and wind to strip the trees of their leaves. That's ok, I like being outdoors in crisp fall air. But I could just wait for another windy day to blow them on down the road. 

 

I've put away our summer clothes and pulled out fall sweaters, hoodies and boots. Hot chocolate, flavored coffees and teas are ready for sipping. Chili and homemade soup are on our menu. 

 

It's definitely fall, y'all...take time to enjoy each and every day.

“Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” --Shira Tamir

Ten Reasons To Love October

It was a crisp 46 degrees up here on the ridge this morning, a perfect fall day ahead! While drinking my coffee, I quickly came up with ten reasons why I love this month.

Cozy sweaters, hoodies, and boots

Walks in the woods

Hot chocolate, hot tea and hot coffee

Brilliant autumn leaves against bright blue skies

Fall festivals and craft shows

Warm snuggly quilts

Homemade soup and chili in the crock pot

The end of grass cutting season

Pumpkins and Halloween candy

First frost...no more bugs!

Campfires should be on the list, however that may not happen this year since our favorite campgrounds have been shut down by the government.  Guess I'll have to build one in the backyard.  

October's Colors and Textures

It's a beautiful fall season! We just had our first cold snap over the weekend. October is one of my favorite months. Trees are beginning to change their colors.  I want to be outside watching the transformation take place and enjoying the cool air.

Everywhere you look there are interesting colors and textures. Nuts, acorns, red berries, and pine cones dot the landscape. Green, maize and orange ornamental gourds have bumpy ridges or smooth stripes. Clear blue skies contrast with bright red and gold leaves. Misty grey fog and clouds hover over fading green and brown fields. Chrome yellow, bright white and deep purple mums cascade over terra cotta pots. Fallen leaves and pine needles feel like crunchy carpet under your feet.

As much as things are changing outside, indoors can be just as appealing. Style and décor for fall features texture and warmth. Luxurious sweaters and warm hoodies are cozy in red, mulberry, bronze and burnt orange. Buttery soft suede and leather jackets, boots, and bags are everywhere. Brushed twill, flannel, waffle weave thermal and corduroy fabrics feature delicious colors like mocha, dark sage, oatmeal, coffee bean, and midnight blue. Comfy quilts, pillows and throws in warm navy, chocolate, spruce, pecan, rust and burgundy hues are perfect for snuggling.

When seasons change, it's time to decorate our homes and update our wardrobes. I've already pulled out autumn décor and clothes. Now I'm going to get busy sewing, crocheting, and quilting, at least when I'm not playing outside.

Useful Notion: Nature always provides ideas and inspiration...all we have to do is pay attention.

"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

What I Love About Fall

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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