Wednesday, October 15, 2008

It's the most wonderful time of the year...oops, wrong season



Well not for me. I LOVE fall. Season wise, it is the most wonderful time of the year for me. I don't get to enjoy some of my favorite aspects of fall now because...well I now live in Southern California and we don't really have seasons here but there are so many fall comforts that I miss from living in Oregon: the cooler, crisp weather, the hues of orange, red and brown leaves scattered on the ground and hanging from the trees, inhaling the sweet scent of hot apple cider as it brews on my stove, and most of all, curling up on the couch all day long in my jammies while I listen to the rain pitter patter on the roof while I'm reading a good book.

I love it. It warms my heart just thinking about it. Unfortunately I'm still wearing flip flops and using my air conditioner half the time. I'm sure to others that sounds nice but as much as I love the warm air and sun teasing my skin, I miss the changes in the season after a long, hot summer.

One of my favorite things to do as a child was collecting fall leaves. I remember picking out the best leaves I could find, tracing them with crayons and paper or just grabbing hand fulls and throwing them in the air. I loved the warmer days yet cooler nights where we could have a little bonfire and roast marshmallows. Yeah, sure, it rained sometimes on Halloween and I would be totally bummed but now when I look back I cherish the memories of getting soaking wet in my hunt for candy.

Let's hear some of your favorite fall memories. What is your favorite season and what do you like best about it?



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13 comments:

Unknown said...

My favorite time of year is Oct thru Dec. I only take down Halloween decorations to put up the Christmas ones. Really! For me it's a big long season of fun and family. I've dressed up for Halloween nearly every year of my life and I don't intend to stop anytime soon. My son may not be into 'scary' Halloween but he does love it. He has too help with the decorating. It's fun-time together for us. All of my holiday memories for those three months are always good, even when I went though them on crutches. LOL

Happy Haunting!

Kelley Nyrae said...

Sounds like a good time, Connie. Last year is the first year my oldest really remembers Halloween. She's really excited about it this year. I can't wait to make more memories with her. You know, I love Oct-Dec too. You're right, it is a time about family and fun.

Anne Rainey said...

honestly, this was never my favorite time of year. growing up thanksgiving always meant bad things happened. fights, the law, you name it.

these days I'm coming to appreciate the fall though. the mild weather, fires out back, hot dogs and time spent away from the computer and phone and chores... :)

Sophia Danu said...

Hi Kelley! I love the fall and Halloween! It's a fun time. I have great memories of this time of year. It's exciting to enjoy this with my kids now.

I love all of the typical fall traditions and activities -- carving pumpkins, hot cider, fires in the fire pit, chili, football, scary movies and trick or treating.

Speaking of which, my daughter really wants me to dress up with her this year. Does anyone else do this?

Regina Carlysle said...

The fall is my favorite time without a doubt. The air just smells different and I looove Thanksgiving. Such a warm holiday. One of my favorite things is to pick up PUMPKIN spice candles for the house. Just something about them. Jacket weather...perfect.

Amy Ruttan said...

Autumn is my favorite, and no I wouldn't trade you. All year long summer doesn't appeal to me.

I thought it did when I was a child, but nope love the Fall season.

I love the leaves changing color, I love the smell of bonfire and frost on the air.

AND best of all Halloween! Both of my kids are absolutely excited!!

Tonya said...

Kell, I remember tracing leaves...oh so much fun! I also just liked the collecting part of it. Such beauty!

I love fall. The leaves changing colors, the crisp morning air. I love it all....plus it begins the season where everyone is gearing up for get togethers and family reunions.

I hope you come back some year to enjoy another Oregon fall Kell.....

Michelle said...

I love all seasons and the changes from one to another from the colors of Autumn & its brisk days interspersed with warm days, winter's crisp clear sparkling days cuddled up inside where it is warm, spring and the fresh growth with the birds coming back & summer's night time sultry nights with the chorus of insects & frogs...

Regina Carlysle said...

Know what I miss so much? My kids are grown and don't trick or treat anymore. That makes me sad!!!! I loved taking them around the neighborhood at Halloween. They were always so CUTE.

Genella deGrey said...

Yup. You've got the right lyrics for the fall season, even here in California. You will learn to over-look the yellow-brown-green foliage we sport all year 'round soon enough. LOL

And as for rain . . . Well, get a CD. :D :D :D

I happen to have a Tim Burton/Jack Skellington fetish, so my decorations stay up October - December anyway. Unless you count my curio cabinet with my Nightmare Before Christmas collectables, and my kitchen corner which looks like it belongs to Sally.

I've loved Halloween all my life. September first gives me thirty days to decide on a costume, and October first gives me thirty one days to gather the accoutrements for said costume.

I refuse to wear my ren fair costumes on Halloween - It would be like wearing a Santa suit on St. Valentine's Day and saying, "Hey, it's red."

However, now that Halloween no longer belongs to me (My first two kids - from when I was with He Who Must Not Be Named - are adults now, so I got Halloween back for about twelve years or so - then the love of my life and I had #3.) it will be all about #3 this year - and until he grows out of it.

Last year #3 was Harry Potter, this year he will be a Knight. Which are obvious choices since Daddy graduated from USC with a history degree and Mommy writes historical romance.

Have you ever tried rubbing the inside of the lid of your jack-o-lantern with cinnamon and nutmeg?
It's so yummy-smelling with the candle is lit!

Yes, it IS the most wonderful time of the year!

:)
G.

Kelley Nyrae said...

Anne, I'm jealous of all the bonfires you and your family share every weekend. Sounds so nice.


Sophia, Love hot cider. I just made chili a few days ago when we had a semi cool day.

Amy, my four year old is SO excited for Halloween.

Kelley Nyrae said...

Tonya, I'd love to spend some time in Oregon enjoying the scenery with you!

Genella, I used to have CD's with rain sound that I'd sleep to. I need to get another one.

Anne Rainey said...

Kelley--I'm with you. I've always wanted to visit Oregon. It looks like a very pretty state!