I’m
linking up with Mama Kat’s writing workshop this week. She asks the timeless
question, “What do you like best about fall?” So here are ten of my favorite
things about my favorite season.
1.)
Apples Apple picking, apple crisp,
apple pie, caramel apples, apple cake, apple cider, apple crisp. Did I mention
apple crisp? It’s my favorite dessert on earth. Serve it with a scoop of
vanilla ice cream and you have heaven in a bowl.
2.)
New Beginnings Fall is the ultimate
time of renewal. Forget about making resolutions in January. January is cold and dark. It's a time for bulky sweaters and hot chocolate. From the time we
let go of our parents’ hand and walk into school for the first time, our new
beginnings happen in September. Even though it’s been years since I sat in a
classroom, I still feel like fall is the time to make new things happen.
3.)
Pretty Colors I would be remiss as a
New Englander if I didn’t mention the fall foliage. I can’t imagine living any
place where the leaves don’t make their dramatic costume change before taking
their final exit every fall. What’s fall without pictures of kids jumping into
a giant pile of leaves?
4.)
Halloween The truth is, I have a
love-hate relationship with this holiday. As a person with a deep theatrical
bent, I feel the desire to go above and beyond with costuming and decorating.
But as a working mom, I just don’t have the time or the desire to turn into a
giant stress ball over a holiday that neither celebrates my religion nor my
country. And, for which I do not get the day off. On the other hand, the kids
look so cute and I love those little “fun-sized” Snickers bars...
5.)
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. You can check out
the recipe here where they're called Pilgrim Pies. Even though I can buy Pumpkin year-round, I only make
these treasures in the fall. Maybe they're more special because you can't get them any time of the year, like those
pumpkin spice lattes everyone is so crazy about. Not me though. I like pumpkin
in may baked goods—muffins, breads, pies. Keep it out of my coffee and out of
my beer. And that goes double for blueberry.
6.)
Apple Crisp What do you mean I already
said that? Well, it bears repeating.
7.)
Soccer No, I’m not a raging sports fan
and my kids aren’t hard-core athletes. I may whine about dragging my butt out
of bed early on the weekends, but I adore Saturday morning soccer in my hometown.
8.)
Sleeping The air is cool enough to stop
using the air conditioner and warm enough you don’t need to turn on the heat.
The only hard part is getting out of the cozy warm nest and facing the cool
air. I’m writing this right now at 6:00 am and it’s still pitch black outside
and the perfect temperature for sleeping.
9.)
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Now if
you’re a regular reader of this blog, you may be aware of the fact that I am
Catholic. So why are these Jewish holy days my favorite things about fall? The
first is purely superficial. Schools are closed in this city for both holidays.
So my kids and I have the day off with no obligations at all. Last week we had
a long visit to my parents and picked apples in New Hampshire. On a more
meaningful level, I have long thought of September as the real start of the new
year (see number two). As far as Yom Kippur goes, I love the idea of practicing
a day of atonement. I think society as a whole would be much better off if we
all spent more time reflecting on our own shortcomings and less time judging
those of others. Besides, Jesus was Jewish!
10.)
Apple Crisp Well, I was going to say
watching football. But we all
now how that’s going so far this year.
Nothing says autumn like New Hampshire. For your amusement I present "Granite State of Mind".
Nothing says autumn like New Hampshire. For your amusement I present "Granite State of Mind".
