Instagram Message: How do you like them apples?
When the kids started school at the end of August, I surrendered my Summer and slowly (very slowly) started to open up my arms to give Fall a big hug. It wasn't easy. Especially because my son fought it hard and I couldn't blame him. I did not want Summer to end EVER! I wanted it to be Summer all year long...
Flash forward to now (a few weeks later) and all of a sudden I remember: I L-O-V-E Fall!! Especially in Minnesota. Plenty of things get me excited about Fall - a.k.a. Autumn. I love apples, pumpkins, wearing jeans, eating brats at a game and watching the colors of the leaves change. It's just a wonderful time of the year, when things shed (or fall) to bareness and we get ready to hibernate for the winter.
I think about how the seasons really differ in other parts of the country. For the life of me, I cannot remember what Fall was like when I lived in California or Florida. Both states probably get cooler in temperature but I can't think of much else. Fashion stays relatively the same all year round for both states. Except, I do see the Ugg boots come out when it dips down to the chilly 70's in CA. Regardless of the temperature, I think the mindset changes just the same from state to state. We start busying ourselves again. Calendars are filling up. Routines have been set up and are now in full swing. Holiday plans are being discussed. Football gets a lot of attention these days. And to top off an already busy schedule - brand new episodes of our TV/cable faves demand our free time! It's the same everywhere. Fall is here!
Last year I found these large apple printed pillowcases at Ikea for $5 each. I coated the pillows with Scotch Guard and now they are on the front porch chairs.
Apple art work is displayed around the house. The Apple Season is awesome but short, they will soon come off display and Halloween decor goes right up.
Do you know anyone who L-O-V-E-S Fall? Send them over a thoughtful pinch! Write an email or card wishing them a Happy Fall and let them know you are thinking of them. Include one of your favorite recipes for an apple pie, a crockpot chili or roasted veggies. Make some soup* and bring it over to someone who likes a good bowl of soup on a cool day. Not a fan of cooking? Send a "Happy The Blacklist Season!" note with your predictions on what will happen to Raymond Reddington (James Spader) next. Or send over a gift card (the amount could be as much or as little as you want) to help your pal get a sweater or fun socks at a great store. Send a Fall flower arrangement to kick off the season. Treat someone to a pumpkin flavored latte or a hard apple cider beer. Dedicate one of your yoga practices to someone who needs grounding during this season and be sure to let them know you did that. Whatever you do, take a cue from the cooler weather and chill about how you show your thoughtfulness. These are pinches, not complicated, expensive, grand gestures.
Awww, so little at the Apple Orchard. We ate apple donuts and apple stuffed brats. Yum! *Here's an easy soup recipe you can make and take to someone. From Real Simple - Black Bean Soup: Heat 1 tsp. of olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add 2 cups fresh salsa and cook, stirring for 4 minutes. Add two 15 ounce cans of drained and rinsed black beans, 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and one 16 ounce can of refried black or pinto beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream and cilantro.
I tease the Minnesotans on how they all have seasonal amnesia. After the Fall season is around for a few weeks, most will already start talking about Winter. These people will be so delighted when the first snowflake falls. Seriously? I tell these "Winter Amnesia Victims" that I hope Fall never ends. Hmmm. How do you like them apples?
Pinches,
Barb