Dreaming of Fall

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for fall. Once October hits, my mind starts turning to crisp air, red-gold leaves, and hot apple cider.

I wonder, sometimes, if my love of fall comes from growing up in the mountains. Mountains that were awash with the unique color only aspen trees can provide. The maples and birches here in Virginia are fine, don’t get me wrong. But there’s something special about aspen trees in autumn. Is it the contrast of the deep golds and flaming oranges against their smooth white trunks? Just the thought makes me homesick for Northern New Mexico.

Regardless, as that ache for fall starts up, it’s inevitably exacerbated by the plodding pace of Northern Virginia when it comes to the seasons. We’re still in the throes of late summer here, temperature-wise. (Well, most of the time. Right now we have hurricane Joaquin bearing down on us, making for a wet and windy weekend ahead, much to the dismay of my Cub Scout who was looking forward to a now-cancelled camping trip.) We don’t usually get fall — real fall — until half-way through November. Which of course is when we’re all starting to hanker for winter and snow.

So for now, I scour the Internet for pictures like the one above where I can see the oranges and reds I long for and I can pretend that cool weather is here.