Autumn in the Air

I am loving this weather lately. The trees aren't turning yet, but you can just smell it coming in the air. Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year, and October in particular, is my favorite month of the year. I realize it isn't October just yet, but I am quivering with anticipation. Ok...perhaps not really quivering, but certainly looking forward to it. I admit I am a bit biased because my birthday is in October. However, aside from my birthday even, October is the perfect month. The trees are decked out in their most glorious shades of red, orange, and gold. The street I live on, in particular, explodes into a burst of color that takes my breath away every time I turn the corner onto my block. There is no sound more simultaneously relaxing and exhilarating than the sound of autumn's fallen leaves crunching underfoot. No sight more instantly heartwarming than a child sliding head-first into a pile of newly raked leaves. There is a crispness to the air that calls for comfy, oversized sweatshirts. Little girls are adorable in their colorful tights. Little boys in sweaters melt my heart. I can finally pull the creamy hot chocolate out from the dark recesses of my cupboard. Grilled food tastes better and fire pits bring a greater joy when their heat is a welcome respite from autumn's nighttime chill. There are apple orchards to visit. Apple pie and apple donuts and apple fritters to eat. There are big pots of hearty soups to make. And don't even get me started on Halloween...quite possibly the greatest holiday ever. What could possibly be better than little children dressed up as their heroes, walking the streets, begging candy from strangers, bringing a bounty of goodies home for their mommas? Candy corn, those little orange and black peanut butter kisses, miniature candy bars of every color and persuasion. There are Jack-o-lanterns to carve, pumpkin bread to bake, faces to paint. Every day should be Halloween. Every month should be October!

I'm not biased or anything, of course.