Falling in love with Autumn

Growing up, I loved summer. Just like most kids, I enjoyed having three months off to (mostly) do whatever I wanted. This was back when kiddos had three months of summer break vs. two. Spending time at Lake of the Woods in Bremen, Ind., almost every weekend was especially wonderful.

I continued to enjoy my summers as an adult. But as middle age approached – along with menopause – summers became a little more challenging. I couldn’t take the heat like I used to thanks to good ol’ hot flashes.

And we had a challenging summer this year. Almost constant rain, like we’ve rarely seen before, led to heartache for those affected by the massive flooding in Indiana. It seemed like when it wasn’t raining, we were in crazy heat waves. I typically work outside on my back deck during the summer, but that scenario was rare this year. My body couldn’t take the heat.

Maybe that’s why I’m especially grateful for fall this year. I laugh now when I remember how I used to long to live in a tropical climate year-round. Nope. Give me four seasons for the rest of my life! I’ve learned to appreciate each one as I’ve shared in past columns.

I know I’m not alone – I constantly see social media posts about how people love fall, or autumn if you prefer that term. While I’m not a pumpkin spice gal, I still love so much about the season.

Every year, I look forward to the opening of the Apple Store at Conner Prairie. If you’ve never been there, be sure to head over soon – it closes Oct. 31. While every treat and item is a delight, I’m a fan of their plain caramel apples, although they’re so big I can only eat half. There’s not a better caramel apple anywhere else.

I practically squeal the first day I can wear my favorite hoodie to walk the dogs on a crisp fall morning. This week I also broke out the flannel pajamas and fuzzy socks. Heavenly. While I struggle with the shorter days at times, being able to light candles again in the evening is so comforting.

And Mother Nature really shows off this time of year. It’s fun to see the trees in our neighborhood showing more of their gorgeous red, orange, brown, or yellow leaves each day. Driving south on Allisonville Road is a glorious sight, not to mention going to Southern Indiana to see other autumn views.

Speaking of … do you know it’s good to “leave the leaves”? Leaves in your yard provide winter habitat for pollinators, beneficial insects, and wildlife. Plus, they give your soil some good nutrition. You can learn more about this practice at xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves.

Fall holidays are also wonderful, although I steer clear of the super scary Halloween décor, movies, etc. I love the fact that we have an entire holiday in November set aside for giving thanks. I’m already looking forward to having five days off in a row for Thanksgiving.

What sorts of things are you enjoying or looking forward to this autumn?

Amy Shankland is an empty-nester, writer, and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John and two dogs. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.