So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu

I have a way of holding onto things too tight sometimes. A sentimentalist, I say. Some may call it other names... I have a harder time than most saying good bye. I may be the only one that will devour a good book quickly until the last couple chapters and then read slowly because I'm not ready for it to be over or to say bye to the characters. Anyone? Ok, I realize I'm a little weird but I'm secure in my quirkiness.

This year I told myself I will let summer leave gracefully. I will not cry and beg her to stay. I will be ready for autumn and welcome her with a leaf wreath on the door and pumpkins on the porch instead of the usual dirty looks and attitude.

To me the yearly Apple Festival Parade is a good bye summer, hello fall celebration.

I really do love my summer. She has a way of bringing out the fun in me. But there are some things about autumn that I like just as much and somethings that I may like even more (gasp!).

• harvesty menus like pork roast with carrots, potatoes, onions and cabbage
• the scent of burning leaves and earthy nights
• colors that take my breath away
• air that feels so perfect, you don't even know it's there

• jeans and sweatshirts
• sleeping snuggled in blankets with the windows open
• watching the kids catch the leaves falling from the trees
• campfires at night

• haunting music from the loudly ringing wind chimes
• football...ok, not really, but I do like watching a good game once in a while
• flannel sheets
• candy corn, M&Ms, and honey roasted peanuts-- the melody of autumn love

Autumn, we started off very rocky this year. Gusty winds, 48 degrees and hail? You don't have to be so abrupt with your presence. I really have always liked you and not just for your beauty. Please be a little less aggressive in your demeanor and we can have a wonderful 3 months together.

 And, summer, with mixed emotions I bid you farewell. Thanks for the daily hugs of warmth and kisses of fun. You bring sunshine in my life and joy to my days. I promise to think of you often.