Fall Back Into Routine

As a New Englander born and bred, it should come as no surprise that autumn is my favorite season.

I love the colors. I love the bite in the air. I really, really love the crispness when all the spring and summer humidity has dissipated. And, I love the routine.

Fall is when schools open again - from kindergarten to college, classes are underway. Since we don’t live by school calendars anymore, fall is a great time for us retirees to travel. Fall travel comes after the heat of summer and before winter storms. As you know if you’ve been reading my blogs, I dote on my kids and grandkids. But, I do enjoy being a tourist without crowds of families making noise and traffic.

Fall is also when holiday season begins in earnest. Halloween, Thanksgiving and, for me, the Jewish High Holidays are my favorites. They’re celebrated in our home, surrounded by the commotion I don’t like when I’m sightseeing. For me, holiday chaos is just perfect. Having all the generations together, handing out candy or opening presents, is comforting.

Fall brings these same events every year – beautiful colors, wonderful walking weather and holidays. Don’t get me wrong. Travel and big family gatherings take a lot of work. But, all that planning is also part of the autumn routine I love. I can count on fall. Fall is my reward for another year well-lived.

Spring is a time of rebirth, of finally getting outside and visiting with your neighbors. Summer is all about the fun of swimming and hiking and barbequing. Winter is either a warm respite on the golf course or the beautiful view (and endless shoveling) of fresh snow. But, fall – that’s what energizes me. Happy autumn to all my readers. Enjoy falling back into your familiar routines.