I woke up last Monday morning to a certain realization: fall had arrived, seemingly overnight.
After the snowiest winter on record, we enjoyed – even gloried in – a hot, sun-soaked summer. I hesitated to complain about the heat, because the memory of winter’s sharp cold and piles of gray-edged snow lingered in my mind. (I always hesitate to complain about heat in New England: it feels like tempting fate, because I know winter is coming.)
When the heat index rose this summer, I simply slathered on more sunscreen, turned the ceiling fans up a notch, and stocked up on lemonade and ice cream. The hubs and I escaped to the beach on multiple weekends (see above), and if things got really bad, we retreated to places with air-conditioning.
But by the time my parents visited in early September, I admit it – I was ready for fall.
The temperature swung from 90 to 60 degrees while Mom and Dad were here, but we had a few more summer-like days after they left. I did my best to savor them, going kayaking on the Charles River and walking around in shorts. But last Monday, the shift in the air was sharp and sudden. Autumn is here.
In response to the sudden shift in seasons, I’m enjoying – and making – a few subtler changes.
I’m sipping fall teas – cranberry almond, Cream of Earl Grey – instead of summer’s ginger peach and blackberry sage. I ordered a couple of favorite autumnal candles, and I’ve switched from my beachy summer perfume to a crisp, classic scent. I’m wearing jeans and ballet flats and button-downs. And I’m thinking about fall activities, fall reading and other things on my autumn list.
Fall in New England is so lovely every year: red leaves, blue skies, juicy apples, that energizing crispness in the air. I know we are heading toward winter, but for now I’ll do my best to savor every moment of this season.
How do you mark or observe the change in seasons?
cakes, tea and dreams 
Well, this happens to be my favorite seasonal shift of all. It’s the turning-in time, and I adore it. Plus, we actually had a beautiful summer once it stopped raining, but I’m not a fan of the usual heat and humidity. Fall is such a relief. My reading generally ramps up this time of year, though this has been a great reading year for me already. And I’ll probably crave a little hair change soon – a little shorter? A little more contrast in the lowlights and highlights? And we’ll be eating more soup. 🙂
We will definitely be eating more soup. And this is my favorite seasonal shift, too!
I just so Autumn so much. Not much of a summer fan or even a fan of the sun really – so by Sept/Oct I am more than ready for Autumn. I love to take nature photography and drive through the Minnesota/Wisconsin country so that will be a major item on my agenda. Also baking anything with fresh apples. I think I will make an apple cake tonight and add some caramels! Enjoy your fall – I hope your winter isn’t as bad as last year.