Happy Fall ya'll!!!

Fall has subtly descended upon our valley and yet it seems almost overnight that the trees have transformed or lost their leaves. Our little Sweet Gum tree which stands sentry in our front yard, has finally been granted to chance to “Change into its Fall Wardrobe.” Normally, the sapling loses all its leaves with first blustery day of Autumn, left to shake in the chill and sag forlornly as if to say,” But I didn’t even get a chance to show my colors.” Salt to the wound I imagine is the surrounding displays of Autumnal kaleidoscopes…

The first rain of the season has blessedly poured and Halloween has been put away. We’ve hung the usual silk leaf garland around the front door. A friend of mine gave me that garland our first Fall in our cottage…it survives the yearly wind storms and now is attached via staples in sections, but it still shines in its entire golden scarlet splendor! I am chomping at the bit to drive out to Hart Park and visit my friends the peacocks and collect leaves! I just last night sipped my favorite Starbucks offering of Gingerbread Latte and have begun planning the annual holiday festivities and projects.

Chris and I have begun our yearly dates shopping for trinkets for the girls’ stockings. This will be the first Thanksgiving since I cannot remember when, in which he will not have to work! We are looking forward to Kayla being home that weekend and all pitching in for a bountiful meal of gratitude and feast! Kylie volunteered to make the mashed potatoes and Chris will roast the turkey after we try out hand at brining. WE have read that this ensures a moist and tasty bird. Of course, we will begin “putting up Christmas!” Chris has the following day off as well so we may chauffeur the girls around as they plan to shop “Black Friday.” God be with us! That Sunday, we will treat Kylie to the new movie, The Nutcracker, for her birthday. We shall reluctantly put Kayla back on the bus the next morning, soon to return for Christmas holiday.

As the air turns crispy and cool, my body sighs in relief…at least eight or nine months before any humidity or heat threatens subjugation! Fall will lead to wintery and icy beauty, which will welcome in a blossoming Spring and early Summer, after which, the weather extremes will begin to bludgeon upon my neurological system like a soft hammer. I relish this time of year when I am at my optimal both physically and in turn, emotionally. I wonder sometimes however, if it isn’t the just the seasons as it is the seasonal that aides my energy surge. Nonetheless, as August breezes begin to cool and I sense that change in the air, I begin to look forward to the next season. Excitement begins to bubble and by the time I flip the calendar’s page to November, it is overflowing!

My mind turns stories round and round as I search for the perfect tale to share with loved ones. I have my Christmas packages completed and they stand awaiting their mailing. However, as I savor the savoring of this holiday season, I will sing off for now and head outdoors to enjoy this blessed gift of a sunny Autumn day and “leaf ya’ll” until God grants us a visit once again! Happy Fall ya’ll!