Finally, Fall

I live in Ohio. Grew up here, never lived anywhere else. Ohio's one of those states that typically has both extremes... baking, muggy summers and freezing, blustery winters. Sometimes it goes from one to the other in the space of two weeks or so.

But when it doesn't, then Ohio's at its best. In the in-between times, when the humidity vanishes and the it's cool at night but warm during the day, Ohio is at her best.

Fall's my second favorite season. I love the cold and hate the heat, so I'm always happy to see summer fading and my electric bill shrinking as we gain the ability to spend days without the AC grinding away. It's glorious to be able to go outside near night without worrying about mosquitos, or walk through the woods without thinking of all the poison ivy I might get on me.

Fall's pumpkins and Halloween and cold days with rain that's glorious to watch from inside a warm house. It's crunchy leaves and scenic views through bare trees and the hushed prelude before the chaos of the holiday coordination and travels. It's harvest and Oktoberfest and apple cider, and nights that are perfect for campfires.

Winter will always hold my heart hostage, but fall's close up there. It's second place, and I love it when it comes to Ohio.