Fall: a Respite from the Heat of Summer

I love summer. But I have to admit that I am tired of the heat this year and am anxiously awaiting the lower temps of fall. The cooler weather that allows for sweaters and boots is a welcome time for me to enjoy some outside activities without creepy crawlies. I am a mosquito magnet and, no matter what I do, they always seem to find me! Sitting under the stars around a fire pit is a joy when the little flying demons aren’t around. In that regard, I love fall! And the way the landscape changes colors from day to day is an added bonus.

Do you ever just go for a drive to see the fall foliage? Most years, we enjoy a beautiful, colorful fall here in the Ozarks of Arkansas. This year it’s still a bit early and most trees are very green. Few leaves have started to change into their party attire for the autumn season. I am one of those who like to take a long drive to view the colors but I’ll have to wait a little longer this year.

Several of my friends and I have talked about taking an autumn driving tour of the Shenandoah Valley. We all love road trips and have not done one for a bit. so I think it’s time. But we began planning too late to make it happen this season, However, we have decided to go ahead and put it on our calendars and make it happen next year. I have never been to the Valley in the fall but have seen pictures and documentaries so I am determined to go. It is beautiful in photos, so I know it will be breathtaking in person.

The variety of colors is one thing that I appreciate about this time of year. It’s always a little surprising to see the varying hues that nature reveals during these months. Until the actual changing, we never know exactly how the autumn is going to look! Since all my trees are still green, I suppose all I can do at the moment is satisfy myself with thoughts of a road trip with friends through the glorious Shenandoah Valley. I am going to enjoy that!