The beginning of summer brings with it much promise and anticipation. New swimsuits for the kids, late nights in the driveways with neighbors, cookouts, camp outs, special ice cream treats and staying up later than usual. I have yet to meet a person who longs for this time of year. Until, that is, the temperatures reach in the 100's, and then we're all complaining in a chorus begging for cooler days to arrive.
As we eagerly wait for summer to arrive, and then once the heat sets in, the mosquitoes won't stop biting, and the sunburns become too much to bear, the music of U2 rings in my ears: "I still haven't found what I'm looking for."
We have officially said goodbye to summer and are now in a beautiful season of new promise and anticipation - fall! The cool air of lower 70's brings everyone outside, puts us all in happy, content moods, and prepares our hearts for fall festivals, apple cider, pumpkin patches and hay rides.
One tradition our family has started in the last few years is taking a trip to the Weston Red Barn Farm. If you've never been, it should be a "must" on your short list for this fall. It's a beautiful backdrop for pumpkin picking and hayride riding. There are farm animals to be petted, unusual pumpkins (Australian Blue and New England Cheese, for example) to be picked, and memories waiting to be made. The quiet, farm-like setting is peaceful and serene, even with kids in tow. And there are always yummy treats to eat in the Country Store, with specialty products like jams and breads, made at the farm.
While the kids are quietly resting today, I'll begin transitioning our house to fall. Taking down the bright flowery font door wreath and replacing it with its fall competitor of berries and rustic leaves. I want to enjoy "fall" before Halloween and Thanksgiving arrive, for those times of the year feel completely different than the crisp, quiet air that fall brings.
What will you make sure to do this fall to enjoy this beautiful season?