Hello, fall

I've been absent from my blog for awhile, although my mind continues to think about potential posts almost every day.  This time of year, particularly this month, is always busy and try as I might I am never able to do all the things I wish I could.  Plans and projects get pushed to the back burner until finally I emerge from what feels like a fog of constant activity and finally find the time to slow down again.  

Time to slow down again.  Quite the concept, isn't it?

At some point during my leave of absence Mother Nature decided that it was officially time to switch over from summer to fall.  For awhile we were in a back and forth pattern, experiencing one very warm day followed by a couple cooler ones, but then one morning on my way to work I noticed the leaves of a particular tree were starting to turn red.  Then little by little more leaves decided to start turning vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow.  The days started growing shorter and shorter, and the mornings became even more dark.  You can smell fall.  It has a smokey undertone, a brisk overture of cool air and changing foliage.  You can feel the season as it creeps into being, and it attacks all your senses when it hits full force and decides to stay. 

As far as seasons go, fall is easily my second favorite.  There are times when I consider putting it at the top of my list, and if I didn't have a job where fall was the busiest work season then it might just be my favorite.  But when it comes to laid back and fancy free, summer has yet to be beat. 

But there are so many wonderful things about the fall, so many qualities that just get better and better.  So as a way of easing myself back into the blogging routine, I am going to share with you some of my favorite things about the fall season, that I am currently enjoying in full force. 

1. Meals in the Crock Pot.  While technically this ingenious kitchen device can be used year round, food in the crock pot always tastes the best in fall and winter.  Stew, chili, soups, there are endless opportunities for warm, delicious meals. 

2. Pumpkin spice lattes.  While the Starbucks original is hands down my favorite, I do also enjoy the pumpkin spice creamer that Coffeemate releases.  Yummy goodness first thing in the morning!

3. Egg nog.  Along the same lines as the lattes, egg nog is finally back on the supermarket shelves.  So very delicious it just screams fall (and also goes well in coffee).

4. Halloween.  As I proclaimed at this time last year, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays (yes, I consider it a holiday) because I for one am a fan of all things that go "bump" in the night.  Spooky stories, movies, decorations, you name it.....I just can't get enough!

5. College Football.  Even though my beloved Cougars aren't in the top of any of the rankings, there's nothing like college football season.  Cougar Football Saturdays are like mini holidays in and of themselves.

6. Candles.  Again, there is no law that says candles cannot be lit year-round, but for me the beginning of fall is also the beginning of candle season.  Plus, they have the BEST scents out during the fall, so bring on the cinnamon, spice, and everything else that is reminiscent to being warm and toasty.

7. Scenery.  Let's face it, some seasons are just prettier than others.  Here on the Palouse we have some absolutely gorgeous days during the fall, and it is definitely one of the prettiest times of year for the area.  Every day on my way to work I just want to pull over my car and go jump in a pile of multi-colored leaves. 

8. Haunted Palouse.  An annual event that takes place in a neighboring town, it has become a favorite fall activity for my family.  You walk through old downtown buildings while community volunteers dressed in their Halloween best jump out and scare the daylights out of you.  Not to mention the haunted hayride where you get chased by a chainsaw wielding maniac.  Classic.

9. Colors.  Between the bushes, the leaves, the sunsets, everything just seems so vibrant in the fall.  The combinations of reds, browns, oranges, and yellows are simply stunning.

10. Sweaters.  While I do not enjoy being cold, I do enjoy warming up....especially in a cozy sweater.  This time of year I actually kind of enjoy perusing the "warm" side of my closet and bundling up against the chill in the air. 

Ahhhh.....fall.  Such a wonderful variety of things to enjoy.  Now wait and talk to me when there is 12 inches of snow piling up outside and I will be pining for the first signs of summer.  Such is the cruel reality of the changing seasons.