On Our Way To Crazy

I’ve been trying to avoid writing the typical Woo-hoo! Fall! post that’s been bouncing around in my brain for the last few weeks. I had every intention of not being sappy about the changing season. When it first started to cool off, the leaves weren’t changing yet, so I didn’t feel it. Then the leaves started turning, but it got warm, so that didn’t work.

But today, I couldn’t deny it. It’s fall.

It hit me on my way to work this morning (in my own car!) There are two big tree-covered hills right where I get on the highway, and the unmistakable shots of red and yellow were peaking out from beneath the big green trees. I cracked my windows to let in the cool morning air and popped in an Andrew Peterson CD. I was set to go.

I took my lunch to the park and ate at a picnic table on covered pavillion. The kids on the playground were wearing jeans and sneakers, not shorts and flip flops. The leaves crunched under their feet as they raced to be first on the big slide. I couldn’t focus on my book – I was distracted by the squirrels chasing the acorns being blown from the trees by the wind.

I’ll have to wear a sweatshirt over my workout clothes tonight on the way to volleyball, but it’s not quite cold enough yet to negate how good the cool air feels when you leave the gym. I have big plans to make beef stew this weekend. We’ll probably hit a high school football game in the next few weeks. Many pumpkin-related baked goods will soon be finding their way out of my kitchen.

Since we’ve been in Nashville, I’ve really come to appreciate fall. In Texas, it’s 100 degrees until one day in October (or November) when the leaves decide to turn brown and fall off. But here we get several weeks of crisp air and changing leaves. There’s a solid sweater and boots season before coats need to be added to the mix. It’s a season of reflection over the year so far, as well as anticipation of the holidays to come. It’s comfortable and cozy and warm, and I’m thrilled it’s here.

Guess I’m not so good at not being sappy.