My Favorite Time of Year

Here we are again. Fall. My favorite time of year.
The colors of the trees, the leaves changing from vivid green to burnt oranges and gold, reds and browns, bristling in the wind. The nip in the air. For the first time in a long time I get to wear sweaters and boots. Pull on my warm socks and change my sheets to the flannels in preparation of winter. No, it's not really cold yet, not in Minnesota, and that's just how I like it. Perfect cuddling weather, perfect, staying in a reading a good book with a cup of coffee weather. Or getting out and enjoying the nip in the air. The farmers' market is just getting good, though it'll soon be over. Lot's of delicious veggies and fabulous jams. Oh, and Pumpkin Spice coffee. I LOVE Pumpkin Spice coffee and creamer. I can't get enough. That reminds me of Pumpkin Pie, but I'm getting ahead of myself here!

This was the first year I have ever attempted canning anything. We did tomatoes this year. The first time we made a big mess, but we came through and now we have many jars of fabulous, ripe tomatoes for pastas and Mexican food well into the winter. Plus, my son, who's been away this summer, will be able to enjoy some of the fruits of his labor. He tilled the ground, after all. It'd be a disgrace not to share.

Fall in Minnesota is also a time of preparation, however. Moving the lawn furniture up onto the deck as to avoid it being 'snowed in' and cutting the grass once or twice more. Collecting more firewood, stacking and moving it, preparing the vehicles for a downright frigid winter. Clearing out the garden and preparing the ground for months of a hard freeze.

Though, a friend told me that the Farmers' Almanac is calling for a dry and warm winter in Minnesota this year. I'm holding them to it!

What about you? What's your favorite time of year?