13 reasons to love autumn

Here are my 13 reasons to love autumn:

1.) Pumpkins, squash and gourds - oh my! These fruits are the quintessential signs of autumn. They show in in yard decorations, children's carvings and delicious meals. Nothing says autumn like the bright orange pumpkins, multi-colored gourds, and textural squash.

2.) Beautiful autumn leaves - after pumpkins, the natural splendor of autumn leaves ushers in the arrival of cooler days and longer nights. Red, orange, yellow and brown - these are the gifts of nature to the season of giving.

3.) Crisp cool air - There is nothing better than waking to a morning where light frost coats everything in sight, leaving the air cool and crisp with the first hints of what's to come. I am not a summer person, so I rejoice in the cooler mornings that come with the autumn.

4.) Juicy apples and pears picked fresh from the trees -What could be a better banquet from nature? Although my apple and pear trees are extremely old, they still produce enough fruit to satisfy my family. Apple butter, pear butter, apple-pear preserves, apple sauce - all these yummy treats are awaiting in a basketful of fruit.

5.) Spider webs dancing in the early morning dew - Although spiders aren't one of my favorite creatures, I relish the beautiful webs they weave. And there is nothing prettier than dew collecting on autumn webs, making an artistic statement to the world.

6.) Fodder shocks (corn stalks) - Either standing in a field or decorating a front yard, one sure sign of autumn are the mighty corn stalks. Tall and majestic, they provide decoration as well as food for the coming winter.

7.) Bonfires or camp fires in the backyard - Is there anything better than a warm bonfire on a cold autumn night? Huddling with family and friends and reliving the events of the summer past, this activity goes hand in hand with roasting marshmallows or hotdogs, even popcorn fresh from a corn stalk.

8.) Cattails - Although a nuisance to many a farmer, cattails make wonderful fall decorations, lasting well into the winter. Tall and spiky - and even a bit fluffy when the cattail is way past bloom - the elegance of cattails goes with any decorating scheme.

9.) Chrysanthemums - Orange, red, brown, yellow, white, rust - there are so many different colors for the autumn mums, and each one is just as beautiful as the next. Chrysanthemums are THE flower of autumn.

10.) Indian Corn - For as long as I can remember, I have always had Indian corn hanging on my front door as a sign of the welcoming autumn. These multicolor kernels fit with any fall arrangements.

11.) Damp, rainy days - I may be the only one, but I love damp, rainy days. I like the way the air feels cool and damp, I like the way the raindrops glisten on the autumn leaves, and I feel like I'm at one with the elements.

12.) Candles - When the air turns cooler, I start burning candles; they give the home a warm, cozy feeling. I prefer the lighting that candles give off, making everything appear romantic and homey.

13.) Candy Corn - Although I don't like candy corn, this is my hubby's favorite, so I always associate it with autumn. There is just something about these sugary candies that gets him in the mood.

 *Photos from Google Images

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