In Texas, we usually get a tease of fall in September before summer blazes back for one more go. This year, the tease is going on two weeks now. Highs in the mid-80s to low 90s, nights in the mid-60s to high 70s. I know those are summer temperatures to some folks, but it is a great reprieve from a summer of well into the 100s.
The cooler mornings have me thinking of the things I get most excited about in autumn. Of course, things will look different this fall compared to most years, but there are some things that will still be around, albeit in different form, and there are some things that never change, even with COVID!
Here are the top five things I’m looking forward to in the coming weeks.
Football
Yes, I am a football fan at every level. Of course, we did cancel our cable tv, so not sure how we’ll watch our college (SMU) and pro (Cowboys) teams, but my guess is that we’ll manage something. But even more, we are excited to watch some high school football again this year! We have two nephews taking the field for two different schools, one a junior who has never played football before and one a senior who has lived and breathed football from his youngest days. We hope to get to see both play in a couple of weeks when they begin their season. We’ll see how that goes!
Hot Coffee
Ok, full disclosure: I still drink hot coffee in the summer. At least at home in the air conditioning! But when out, I generally go for iced coffee or cold brew on hot days. Autumn mornings mean getting coffee with friends (sitting outside of course!) and sipping a hot latte without sweating.
Autumn Flavors
I do most of my grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s and so look forward to all their autumn-flavored seasonal items—lots of pumpkin but also squash and maple. I so enjoy these flavors, especially in some combination in a latte. I’m also looking forward the first day I feel like making pumpkin bread, usually with chocolate chips thrown in, and, of course, the first pumpkin pie around Halloween.
Leaf Colors
We don’t experience much color in Texas, but that makes a tree full of bright yellow or red or orange leaves even more eye-catching. And I can lose myself in pictures of autumn trees from other parts of the country where the color abounds. I imagine my daughter will be the source of many such pictures now that she lives in New England!
Shorter Days
I know, I’m weird. Most people lament the lack of sunlight. But being a night person by nature, my brain kind of turns on in the dark of evening. (The dark of morning is a completely different story!) Ironically, the earlier dark also feels more restful to me. When days are long I feel as if I should be frantically active until dark.
What are you looking forward to as Fall approaches? Has COVID changed your list?
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I’m right there with you….college and pro-football!!!
Right? Although I was glad we didn’t get to actually watch the Cowboys game Sunday. We did listen to part of it. Looking forward to more!
I’m right there with you too, Anne. Not about the football, though I like the sound of a game droning in the background while I read 😉 but I AM all in when it comes to fall color, hot coffee, and all things pumpkin.
Ha! I agree when it isn’t one of my teams playing! 🙂
Delightful post, Anne!
I love Autumn, and only wish it lasted longer.
Here in my part of Georgia, we have some beautiful leaf colors that I look forward to all year. 🙂
Cooler weather, pumpkins, and college football (Go Georgia Tech and Clemson!) complete the list for me.
Thanks for sharing (and your nephews are precious!).
Yay for fall color! Enjoy it!
Fall is my favorite season. Hoping to find farm produce stands (a few have disappeared this year, wahhhh) to stash up on my pumpkins and squash. The cooler days and nights, the falling leaves, the sounds and smells of nature going to bed until spring. Love it!
Oh, the smells of fall! Love that! Don’t get much here in the middle of the city, but I love getting out from town and smelling autumn in the air! Hope you find your farm stands!
Looking forward to Pittsburgh Steelers football; wearing big, cozy sweaters and corduroy; everything maple and apple; the smell of woodsmoke on a quiet evening; hot chocolate on the porch with a good book; and leaves–both the beautiful colors and the wonderful sound of their “crunch” as you walk through them! There is a peacefulness and sense of rest that seems to come with autumn in western Pennsylvania and I just love it!
(Covid-19 has cancelled many local fall festivals, however, so I’m not loving that.)
Western PA is gorgeous! My husband is from central PA and his dad is a huge Steelers fan, so lots of smack talk between us! 🙂 And the crackle of leaves under your feet–yes, please! 🙂
Fall is my favorite season, too! For all the reasons you listed. How fun to find someone else who loves the shorter days! They’re just so cozy and restful.
Yay! I so rarely find people who get me on that point! My husband moans and groans and I get so excited as the dark comes earlier!
I love fall and am looking forward to all the things you mention. 🙂 Most of all, as a fellow Texan, I’m anticipating cooler weather. I can’t wait for days with highs in the 60s and 70s. Jeans! Boots!
Yes! Y’all will get it before we do. I can’t wait!