Jessie: In neighboring New Hampshire searching for wool socks.
Two mornings ago my son had to scrape frost off his car before driving to school. Last Friday a friend brought me a ripe pumpkin she grew in her back field. Yesterday, my husband broke down and fired up the pellet stove in the kitchen to take off the chill. All signs indicate autumn is crouched and ready to pounce.
Truthfully, I don’t mind. I love summer and long, lazy days lolling at the beach. Grilled food is always on my list of favorites and I never tire of daylight lasting until nine p.m. But let’s face it, summer involves a lot of pressure, especially in New England.
In summer, everywhere you look something, or someone, is urging you to make the most of the season. If you happen to have been raised by parents from New England every sunny day reminds you of their exhortation to “Go out and play. You never know when it will be nice out again!”. Even when your adult obligations dictate you sit at a desk the guilt of squandering such a meteorological gift is crushing.
But autumn is more of a gentle soul. It kindly offers the pleasure of fall foliage, the first scented curls of woodsmoke, the comfort of slow-cooked stews and hot rolls fresh from the oven. It never clamors or demands you acknowledge its worth. It simply goes about its business until it fades away with a final rustle of leaves and a blanket of snow.
So, it’s with a light heart I plan to swap my sundresses for sweaters. I’ll replace lemonade with mulled cider and ice cream bars with pumpkin squares. Instead of tiki torches on the patio I’ll light candles in the dining room. I couldn’t be more pleased.
Readers, do you love fall? Or is another season your favorite? What is the best thing about fall in Maine or in your part of the world?
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
It’s always been my favorite season. I lived in the Chicago area for twelve years and really missed New England foliage–I just hate what follows it though. But then that’s life . . . the good things always offset the bad!
There’s just something about the foliage here that makes the winters worth it!
The brilliant colors, the reprieve from gardening, cooler walks. However, my 6 year old granddaughter just told me there are only ten weekends until Christmas which put a damper on this pretty morning.
I saw a similar message at the pay station of a Portland parking garage last week and it did take a little sparkle out of my day. Maybe a nice cool walk in the brilliant colors will help you forget for at least a couple of hours!
The brilliant colors, the reprieve from gardening, cooler walks. However, my 6 year old granddaughter just told me there are only ten weekends until Christmas which put a damper on this pretty morning.
Nice post for a beautiful fall morning, Jessie.
Thanks, Brenda!It is a breathtakingly beautiful day isn’t it?
Isn’t fall perfectly placed on nature’s calendar? It’s only after a warm, sunny summer has warmed what winter has left of our body and spirit that we are capable of fully appreciating a New England fall.
I couldn’t agree more, David! It always seems like fall is just on time. Too bad spring always seems late!
Fall is my favorite season just about anywhere. I live in Calif. but was in Bath, Maine last week. It was quite warm and felt summery to me. Nice trip.
Last week was beautiful. You picked a perfect week to visit!
Frosty mornings, clear blue skies, t-shirt afternoons, apples, having the woods to myself, watching milkweed strands float off to new homes. The list is endless.
Frosty mornings and t-shirt afternoons sums it up perfectly, John!