People who are very particular about accuracy will note that the Autumnal Equinox actually occurred at 3:44pm on September 22. Those of us who don't like to walk into work early in the morning breaking a full sweat evaluate the change in the seasons a different way. This morning the weather was actually cold as I rode to work with the top down.

 

 

Fall here in the deep south is not as romantic as fall in New England with tremendous vistas of fall foliage. We don't polish our skis nor tune up the snow blowers. Around here we simply don't sweat as much as we did a few weeks ago. So here are my 5 reasons to rejoice about fall.

 

 

 

 

Gumbo
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Gumbo- I am of the opinion that any weather is gumbo weather. If the roof isn't being ripped off by hurricane force winds it's gumbo weather. However, in the fall more people make gumbo more often. That means there is more of it being offered for me to enjoy. I am from Mississippi and my gumbo is to delicious as beauty is to Zac Brown. I love gumbo. Correction, I love the gumbo that my friends make and fall means more friends making more gumbo and that makes me rejoice.

 

 

air conditioner
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Quiet- I know I am going to have to explain this one. I wake up in the wee small hours of the morning everyday. That means even on my days off I am up at 3am. One of my favorite things to do in this whole world is sit outside in my courtyard with a cup of Community Coffee and contemplate the universe. My delicate ballet of twinkling stars is often punctuated by the not so mystical sounds of air conditioners running nonstop. With fall in the air the morning is as silent as an elevator ride with strangers. It is very peaceful and a great way to reconnect in a spiritual sense.

 

 

 

Fireplace
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Fireplaces- I am not knocking today's modern new gas fireplaces. They look nice, are easier to take care of and a lot safer than the fireplace I grew up sitting next to.  Still there is something magical about the crackling of wood in a fireplace. The gentle hint of smoke in the air as you feel the need to button your coat provides an even warmer feeling to the moment. Fireplaces meant stories when I was a kid. The TV would be turned off and my Dad would tell us stories of his youth or even better make up a story that usually had a lesson at the end. I miss my Dad, I miss his stories, a fireplace can bring all of those memories back to me instantly.

 

 

 

caramel apples
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Caramel Apples- I am sure Dr. Theriot would not approve of me advocating sticky sweet treats but everything in moderation right Doc? Fall is the season of apples and nothing brings a sweeter flavor of fall to my lips than a caramel apple. I am sure this is tied to some childhood memory of a time when trick or treat meant homemade goodies and not store bought candy. The illustrious combination of sweet caramel and slightly sour green apple may be one of the best flavor combinations ever invented. Fall lends itself to caramel apples for two big reasons. The fall crop of apples comes in and the caramel doesn't melt off the apple before you get to eat it.

 

 

 

Falling back
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Falling Back- This can be taken a couple of different ways so I shall explain. The obvious one is "falling back " to standard time. This is a biggie in my world. That means it gets dark before 6pm and that means I can actually get to sleep in a dark room before 7pm. Yes I am a party animal. Falling back would also apply to a big pile of leaves. Jumping and playing in leaves is one of the simplest joys of childhood. I think if more adults did it too the world would be a happier place. Falling back into the arms of the one you love the most and curling up in a warm blanket to watch a great movie, watch the fire or just listen to the beating heart that is next to you. That's good stuff right there.

 

 

There are my reasons to rejoice now that we are on the door step of sweater weather versus sweating weather. While it's true I don't like the cold, I do like the cool and autumn is certainly that. Tell me what you like best about fall, we can start a brand new list together.

 

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