
Happy Autumn, Everyone!!!
Yes, since the last post was a photo of the the sun setting on the final day of summer...this is a photo of the first morning of Autumn. The light during sunrise & sunset has been stunning for the past week or so...sometimes warm & golden, other times suffused with pink (as it was the morning of this shot). Aside from the wonderful light we get during Autumn (my favorite season!), there are so many reasons I love this time of year.
1. It's cooler!
Yes, this is the best part! I find that now I spend so much more time outside, sitting in the back, or on the front steps...or just wandering around in the morning with my camera and the cats. It's especially invigorating in the morning & evening, when there is just a slight chill in the air.
2. Comfy clothes!
I get to wear hoodies and flannel again! Ok, I admit, it's not quite cool enough yet for those things...but SOON!
3. Open windows!
I LOVE having our windows open as much as possible, so it's kinda sad during summer when I have to close up the house. I have MONTHS now to enjoy having the windows open...yeah!
4. Sleep!
I really like it to be cool while I sleep...and now that I get to have the windows open, I get to sleep better...BOOM!

5. The garden looks great!
Truly, this point is subjective. It might look a little tattered in spots...but I love it. The borders are vibrant, lush and full to bursting. The grasses are starting to really peak. Much like spring, each morning is exciting, as I can't wait to see how things are changing. The changes that a garden goes through during the year are fascinating to me...and this season of senescence is full of bittersweet drama.
6. I get to work outside!
Aside from watering, I don't do much in the garden during summer...and since I'm not keen on sweating, don't spend much time outside except for early morning & evening. Now that the weather is cool, the sun has lost its harshness and I can work outside as much as I like.
7. Planting is easier!
Spring is undeniably the time of year that I itch most to get out and planting...but I have to admit, where the plants are concerned, Fall is better for planting. Our mild winters and abundant rain make for relatively stress-free conditions for the plants. They focus on putting down roots, not making leaves & flowering...so come spring, they are healthy and well-established. I always do some editing in fall, and find that I don't have to worry much at all about the plants surviving...whereas plants that are planted/moved/divided in spring have to be coddled more to ensure they are able to make it once summers heat & drought set in.
8. Using the oven!
Not wanting to heat up the house during summer, we don't use our oven at all (and the stove, only sparingly), thank goodness for our grill. Also, I've been craving things like soup & pot roast for the last few weeks...but who wants soup when it's 90°...no one, that's who! Guess what...it's Soup Season!
9. Harvest Season
Autumn is harvest time...and who doesn't love fresh apples, pears & pumpkins (and all the delectable goodies you can make FROM them)! Visions of pumpkin pie with a warm cup of spiced cider dance before my eyes ;-)

10. Rain!
Of course, after months, I am so relieved to see the rain again! We had a very brief sprinkling last week, just enough to lightly mist over the garden...but oh, that wonderful smell...and so refreshing.
Happy Autumn, everyone, I hope you are able to enjoy the splendour of the season!