Fall is on its way

It has been a very hot summer. The harsh reality is that it has been an even hotter summer for those who did not have air conditioning in their homes or cars. The temperatures were so severe several weeks ago that you could feel the heat slap you in the face almost immediately when you stepped outside. All I can say is thank goodness fall is on the way.

The Farmer’s Almanac predicts when the seasons will begin, even down to the exact time it will arrive. They predict fall will start on September 22 at 9:04 p.m. They have also predicted lower-than usual temperatures nationwide, saying that the cold will come in the latter part of November. I can hardly wait.

I absolutely love autumn. The crisp cool air, colorful display of leaves on all the trees, the smell of campfires being built in backyards and the warmth of the living room after coming indoors. To me, fall signals the joy and excitement of seasons and celebrations to come such as Christmas and New Years. It is also the best time to drive up to the top of the mountain and see the beautiful array of colors the trees display across the state. I like to drive up the Natchez Trace with the windows rolled down taking in all of the colorful scenery. It doesn't have to be the Natchez Trace specifically, you can drive anywhere during the fall season and admire its beauty.

During this season, I catch myself admiring the trees more than anything. The trees and their leaves have provided so much for us throughout the summer and they are preparing us for a winter’s long sleep. When they shed their leaves a unique aroma is released for everyone to enjoy, alarming us that the season has begun.

Some say you can smell fall. The aroma is so grand that companies have tried to replicate it in candles and sprays. The other day while shopping with my daughter there was a huge display of fall designed pillows and blankets for anyone to buy so they can turn a room into a cozy, fallinspired haven. No one can deny the desire for the ever popular Pumpkin Spice lattes and candles that are already being sold in stores and coffee shops.

Fall also brings me back to memories of raking leaves and making piles with them when I was a child. Growing up my sister and I would rake the leaves into several huge piles then run and jump in them shouting with laughter. We had so many trees in our yard, so it was an activity we always looked forward to as they began to fall. There were so many trees that we would eagerly volunteer to rake them for our parents. My brother was notorious for riding his bike through our beloved piles of leaves so we always kept our eyes out for him. Jumping in the leaves during the fall is a tradition that was passed on and re-imagined with our children. When my daughter was young she, along with my nieces, would find a hillside in the yard, scatter leaves down the slope and make a big pile at the bottom of the hill. They would then run and find an empty cardboard box or trash can lid and slide down the hill one after another in a silly race. Traditions like these truly make fall magical.

Fall will be here before we know it. So, be sure to take in the beauty, decorate, and make new traditions and memories with your family.