Ah, fall… it’s my favorite time of year! Soon the leaves will change color and the crisp-apple air will be tinged with wood smoke. Then come endless frozen days of darkness that batter your soul until it dies.
Whoa there! Hold up a minute, bucko. It’s still early – really early. In fact, it’s more late summer than truly fall. The September sun can get hot, and I mean HOT. Today I’ll wear a sleeveless, chiffon blouse. With sandals. It’s still OK to wear sandals; my end-of-summer pedicure is holding up pretty well.
The air was fresh and biting this morning – downright cold, actually. “Better put on a sweater.” I thought.
I know the “no white after Labor Day” rule has gone out the window, but how about white capris? I think that ship has sailed. Besides, I stopped spray tanning a couple of weeks ago and my legs have gone from Sun Kissed Nude to Cadaver. I’ll go with my new jeans. They’re cranberry colored but really lightweight cotton. I’m acknowledging the reality of September without giving in to it.
I can’t wait for the leaves to turn colors. Of course, that change reflects a temporary death for the trees. The dying leaves remind us that yet another year is winding down, and what do we have to show for it? Time inexorably marches on and death approaches ever quicker.
I LOVE fall. It’s my favorite season for sure. Hurrah!
For some reason I left the house this morning looking like a 3 year-old whose mommy let her dress herself. In the dark.
How are you coping with the change of seasons?
I’m not. At least not this morning. I’m just not.
LikeLike
It was 35 this morning and is supposed to hit 71 by midday. What are we supposed to do?
LikeLike
My initial thought was, “Just die.” But I realized that’s probably a little extreme…
LikeLike
Just a tad.
LikeLike
This in-between-time is hard to dress for! I almost wore a summer dress with a sweatshirt and leggings yesterday… You’re definitely not alone, Peg! 🙂
LikeLike
I keep going back and forth on the bare legs issue. I know it’s all the rage, but for many of us over 50, it’s just not a good look with a skirt. Can I go back to nylons now that it’s fall?
LikeLike
Skirts with capri leggings could work well… That way you get to go half and half! And nylons have got to be allowed by now, right?
LikeLike
Audrey, you seem to be just itching to get in those leggings. What are you wearing right now? (and I don’t mean that in a creepy, suggestive way)
LikeLike
Jeans today, but leggings are WAY more comfy. Its probably on the brain because I live in yoga pants on the weekends… 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, I love this post, P. You had me at ‘bucko’.
How do I survive fall? Lots of hot coffee. Slices of warm apple pie. Slippers. If I have those three things every single day, I’m good to go.
Oh, and I cannot stress enough the importance of dressing in layers. Sweaters of fleece jackets that can be ripped off and thrown angrily in my husband’s face the second I get a hot flash are perfect.
LikeLike
Wait a minute – you’re blaming him for the hot flashes? I think you’re getting confused. You blame him for the pregnancies, Darleeta, and throw heavier objects like shoes.
I, too, want to snuggle up with my blankie and pastries. Lots and lots of pastries. Damn.
LikeLike
I am currently wrapped up in a cozy quilt and dunking birthday cake in my hot cocoa with whipped cream
LikeLike
Send over a piping-hot mug and move over. Birthday cake and ice cream is my absolute favorite food group. What kind of cake?
LikeLike
I wore my sandals this morning. It was very cold. My toes almost done froze. Obviously I am not acknowledging the onslaught of Fall/Winter. I will continue to live on that river in Egypt, thank you very much. :p
LikeLike
Now my bare toes peeking out from beneath my black pants looks faintly…wrong.
LikeLike
“…like a 3 year-old whose mommy let her dress herself. In the dark.” Ha!
I’m already staring wistfully at my sandals and white pants, but since fall is my favorite time of year, it makes the transition more bearable. Thank gawd ‘stache glasses are never out of season.
LikeLike
You’re a “the season is half full” kinda gal, Jules. Me…not so much.
LikeLike
Okay, you saw my post, so you know where I am. So I’m going to comment on the video.
Holy hilarious!
I had never seen that before. And I’ve often thought that Jennifer Anniston was a cyborg alien because she is just too perfect, so this was just what I needed to get my day off to the right start. You know, even though it’s already almost 11 am. 😉
Bucko.
LikeLike
That commercial has been sitting on the bottom of my blog for days and I never looked at it before. You’re right – it’s a scream! I’m going to rush out and buy a truckload of that water at $10 per bottle for sure.
LikeLike
Whaaaat? You mean you didn’t put it there? Well, I hope you made some money because I clicked on it.
It kinda went with your theme today.
LikeLike
Just racked up another 1 cent. Cha-CHING! Thanks, Renee!
LikeLike
I just watched it too and aside from Ryan Seacrest, it was pretty dang funny.
LikeLike
I know – I didn’t think Jennifer Aniston could be that funny.
Even the commercials around here are stellar. Only the best for my readers.
LikeLike
Autumn is the best!
LikeLike
I know, John, I truly do love it. But these days I lie in bed for a good 15 minutes, snuggled up under the covers, staring at my closet just 2 feet away and trying to find inspiration.
LikeLike
Autumn is definitely my favorite time also. Beautiful trees, crisp days, apple cider and doughnuts, Halloween with the kiddies, and of course, football.
I don’t worry too much about what clothes to wear, however, I do get tired of seeing all those leaves on the lawn. So I do what all men are forced to do under the circumstances, I get off the couch and go close the curtains.
LikeLike
I guess we all have our crosses to bear at this time of year.
LikeLike
Turned on the heat in the house for the first time this morning. I’m sure by this afternoon, I’ll have the A/C back on.
LikeLike
I did that this weekend – the whole house smelled like burnt dust.
LikeLike
Mine too, but at least I have circulation in all my fingers and toes.
LikeLike
I struggle with what to wear at this time of year too! Do I go out in my sparkly bikini and 6″ high strappy sandals, or do I ditch the sandals and go for thigh-high boots with the sparkly bikini instead? One day it’s cold, one day it’s warm. What is a girl to do?
LikeLike
Sparkly bikini, thigh-high boots and I’m SURE you’ll have no trouble finding a ride in a nice, toasty car wherever you want to go.
LikeLike
I’m loving the cooler weather–it’s great for my long training runs! As far as clothing, sheesh, I’m beyond help in that category. Shorts and t-shirts become jeans and sweat shirts when fall hits–gotta love the writer’s wardrobe!
LikeLike
Yeah, there doesn’t seem to be too much room for angst when shorts or jeans are the only choices. I hate you.
LikeLike
*Smirk*
LikeLike
I LOVE your art PoL! I find if you sleep late you can miss the chilly hours, then put on the shorts and sandals to go out!
LikeLike
I’m sure my office will have no problem with that excuse when I roll in at 11 each day.
LikeLike
Fall is my favorite time of year. Bring it on Baby!
LikeLike
Me too, but the pessimist in me can’t help mourning that passing of another year.
LikeLike
I LOVE wearing my new fall clothes. But I also LOVE my sandals. My toes like to be free. September for me means sandals and corduroys.
LikeLike
That was me the other day, looking at my free toes at the end of a long stretch of cranberry. Somehow it didn’t work.
LikeLike
I love Autumn. So glad this awful, dreary summer has passed. Now I can wrap up warm and appreciate the rain.
LikeLike
No fair looking on the bright side! Are you sure you’re a card-carrying member of Grouches R Us?
LikeLike
I usually am a big Grouch!
LikeLike
I really do love fall but must say that the very best part of it is the fact I can go for long periods without a pedicure and without shaving my legs. 🙂
LikeLike
Amen on the no more having to shave my legs! 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, bella! It’s hairy leg season!
LikeLike
What could you possibly mean? Of COURSE we shave all year.
LikeLike
Ain’t THAT the truth. Which is why I was so conflicted this morning. It’s supposed to hit 78 and I pulled out a skirt, but the great expanse of hairy, white legs sticking out the bottom made me rethink that idea.
LikeLike
I’ve been considering switching from my standard black t-shirts to black pocket t-shirts.
Layering, you know.
🙂
LikeLike
As long as you’ve got a plan.
LikeLike
I went back to bed this morning – a perk of working from home. Winter in our house is frigid, Peg. FRIGID! The temp this morning was 40. I sat at my desk, shivering in the cold. I decided to get in bed for just a bit …. 3hrs later. ACK! Yep, ’tis the season where I struggle to find ways to stay warm without getting back in bed. The comfy – cozy – snuggly – warm bed….. *swoon*
LikeLike
I LOVE the snuggly bed idea, Lenore, don’t get me wrong, but they’ve got this nifty new invention nowadays they call central heating. Check it out!
LikeLike
Hahahahaha! Heating? Really? Man, we’ll have to look into that. Thanks for the tip!
LikeLike
Well said. People really love the fall. But I just can’t help feeling that once the fall starts, the Winter follows and… wahhh.
But yay pumpkin beer? I’m trying.
LikeLike
Pumpkin beer? Really? It doesn’t sound too good. Now pumpkin cake…mmmm.
LikeLike
Revisiting your blog and read this comment on pumpkin beer. They had that in Maine!
It was pretty good. I meant to bring back a 12-pack with me but no-one around our little hideaway had it and we left at 5am so, sigh, I didn’t get some to show off (and enjoy!)
Of course, pumpkin cake, pancakes, bread – those are all good too!
LikeLike
Pumpkin beer just sounds weird. Now all the baked goods….yum!
LikeLike
Oh I’m so used to pumpkin beer since meeting my husband, I didn’t even realize it’s weird. It’s good though, especially with cinnamon sugar on the rim.
LikeLike
I picked up some pumpkin cake w/cream cheese frosting last night – yum. Must STOP with the seasonal baked goods!!!!!!
LikeLike
How did your Seasonal Closet Disorder get elevated to full blown Schizophrenia? Is it a change of life thing???
LikeLike
It was my own fault, really. I ignored the symptoms, kept thinking it would go away, and by the time I sought help it was full blown. Although I will say the hot flashes do NOT help with the sweater – yes/no question.
LikeLike
There is no change of seasons…I go from the 7 rings of hell to only drenched in sweat half the time. Oh wait, maybe that IS a change of seasons.
LikeLike
I keep hoping it will cool off here so the students will put some damned clothes on. I swear some of them wear less to class than my husband has seen me in at any time in our 33 years together. Or maybe I am just old.
LikeLike
That’s about as likely as the boys pulling up their pants, Katy.
LikeLike
Sad but true.
LikeLike
That would really bug me. I remember one summer in college I stayed with my grandparents in Florida. In mid-August, just like in Michigan, all the stores started showing turtlenecks and leather, tweed pants, etc. It was 100 frickin’ degrees outside!
LikeLike
When it gets down to the 60s you will see people here with winter coats on. It’s pretty amusing. I was in Michigan over the weekend – it was so nice and cool and I really loved it…except for the deer I hit with the rental car (another reason fall can be an adventure)….and the cancelled flight home.
LikeLike
Oh no! Those rental car companies really sock it to you for that stuff. *insurance nerd alert…insurance nerd alert* Had you bought the collision damage waiver?
Hope you visited “our” Wendy’s when you were home.
LikeLike
Wait a minute. You’re supposed to turn the light on when you dress? Mama never told me.
LikeLike
Well, it sure makes the results more interesting if you don’t. And you’re saving energy!
LikeLike
Heaving a sigh of relief in Virginia with cooler weather. Fall’s my favorite time in spite of useless white linen and sandals in the closet. Love the rain, shivering in the cold, bundling up and lotsa inside time for blogging!
LikeLike
Love the rain? I don’t think I’d go for that. I love the sunny, blue-sky crisp days; I just don’t know what to wear.
LikeLike
Nice work, really enjoyed the piece.
LDS
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
I always thought autumn followed summer, did I blink and miss summer?
Love the colours of autumn, hate the cold and rain which we’re getting an abundance of 😦
Today you will find me at my desk with the heater on behind me wearing two jumpers and jeans. The new log store has already been attacked and I had to give in and turn the central heating on in August!!!!!!!
LikeLike
That’s just wrong- turning on the heat in August. Although it beats having the air conditioning on from March through September like we did this year. I’m planning to put in a fire pit next to our patio and need to get going on it. Sitting cozy ’round the fire is sure to brighten my mood!
LikeLike
My sister scolds me when I get my fall and winter clothes out too early. She truly believes that’s exactly what causes the heat of summer to return. I still haven’t gotten them out even though our temps are down in the 70s during the day. I did put the white sandals away and some lighter stuff. But it is an awkward season. I go by color – I put the pastels away in September. The thing is, you either sweat or freeze. But I love the season anyway!
LikeLike
You’re the one causing the heat to return – stop that! That’s a good idea, to go by color. I officially retired the capris, too. Long pants from now on.
LikeLike
It’s so confusing. What’s that uncomfortable tingling in my hands? What? I’m *cold*? But wasn’t it 102 degrees last week? How can it be time to wear a jacket? Wait! I want my summer back!
LikeLike
Exactly! I just don’t want another year to end. Besides, summer is so e-e-ea-sy.
LikeLike
I love fall days…because it’s still semi-warm. The nights are a bit chilly for me.
LikeLike
I do love the chilly nights – put on my sweats when I get home and burrow under the down comforter.
LikeLike
Fall is hands down my favorite season. It’s a little ironic, because where I live has great weather almost year-round, yet our Autumns are pretty undramatic.
LikeLike
I think we all love our picture-postcard idea of fall. We DO get that around here. I make it a point to do all my favorite drives through the countrysides when the trees turn color.
LikeLike
Well, bucko, er, I mean PegO–it’s called hibernation for those of us who don’t cope well with fall/winter. Pastries, many pastries are in order to hold us over until the spring thaw. Does wi-fi work in a cave?
LikeLike
I LIKE fall and don’t really mind winter. The problem is I will be answering the call of the pastries, I know. If we can get wi-fi, will they deliver pizza to the cave?
LikeLike
Ooh, I love, love, love fall! I hate, hate, hate summer. Though you wouldn’t guess it by looking at my weak, scrawny physique, I’m of a hearty Germanic people. I need cold air.
Although, I am blaming the changing seasons on my blog funk. That must factor in somewhere? If I was still in high school, this would be right about the time everyone would be breaking up. I kinda want to break up with WordPress.
LikeLike
Every relationship goes through those cooling-off periods. I hope you don’t throw WordPress’ ring back in its face in a fit of anger – you two were meant for each other. Just take it easy – no pressure.
There’s one guy I read who posts maybe once a month. Granted, he doesn’t have much of a relationship with his readers – that schedule is a bit too sparse – but he still writes and I still like what he writes. You get to decide what your blog is about.
LikeLike
I have had to break out all of my cardigans. I still refuse to put the flip-flops away! I may wear them until it snows! 😉
LikeLike
Just don’t get frostbite on those tootsies!
LikeLike
Packed up the whites and light colors ’cause I’m sick sick sick of them….mild climates are great, but you sure get tired of the warm weather clothes! Jeans today (finally) and maybe sleeves tonight – it’s like uncovering a whole new wardrobe. Ready for some cool breezes…..maybe around Halloween…..
LikeLike
You must be an optimist. Uncovering a whole new wardrobe just sounds like a lot of work to me.
LikeLike
Closet rotation/seasonal packing of the clothes was a fine art when I grew up due to small closets.
My mom had 4 categories: fall/ dark colors transitional, winter, spring/pastel and light colors transitional, and summer (shorts, sleeveless etc).
A major seasonal event. It’s really hot and humid here…and even looking at wools gets pretty itchy (moth bait)
LikeLike
I love the term “seasonal closet schizophrenia”! Finally a diagnosis for my pain! I just returned two days ago from three warm sunny weeks on the Costa Brava and am now in gloomy, drizzly, cool Boston. I’m in a serious state of pouting which, combined with the 5 pounds I gained, makes me very attractive and a joy to interact with. Post-trip pouting is a very real issue with me – thought you’d be fascinated to know that!
LikeLike
It’s always tough to return from a vaca, but going from warm and sunny to gloomy and drizzly is adding insult to injury. Good luck getting over the post-trip pouts.
LikeLike
Coping? Raking leaves. Still. In flip-flops and shorts (still in the 90’s). Taking down the quick-set ring pool (my trees needed the water). Scott’s and I are on holiday this week while the kids are in school; the Natural Science Museum (no kids along!!) and a day downtown is our first outing scheduled.
Fall is my favorite season, followed by spring. Though we don’t get change of seasons here like in other parts of the country, the change in temperature (from 90’s to 60’s, around Halloween) always gets me pumped for some fun with the kids, camping, and campfires by the creek.
LikeLike