Hi Neighbors!
The dial has finally changed to cool temperatures, and the crispness in the air indicates all things autumn, which for me goes beyond pumpkin spice lattes and the craze for the perfect Halloween costume. It is a time to be out in nature, a time for traditions, a time to return to our roots. The place(s) that make us happy. One, two, three…Go!
Nature beckons, so pick an afternoon to indulge yourself. There are easy trails and challenging trails to hike or walk; there are hiking groups and walking groups to join; there are rivers to run or ride a bike alongside; there are arboretums to explore and to educate us in every county. And there are excuses why not to explore, but I encourage you not to use them, especially as the trees are about to delight with a canopy of painted colors.
Traditions abound. Yes, the kiddos will be ringing the bell at the end of the month with tricks for treats, but the real heart of the month is football, end to end. Saturdays are for college games and Sundays are for the NFL, but Fridays, oh Fridays are for high school games under the lights. The roar of the crowd, the clash of the band, the crunch of shoulder pads and helmets defending against one another. That’s the stuff Friday nights are made for.
Let’s not forget, returning to our roots whether in our hometowns or at schools everywhere. High schools and colleges alike are beginning to celebrate homecoming; returning to one’s home or a familiar place, alumni, friends, and family being welcomed, gathering to commemorate a time that came before in a space made special by familiar memories. It is where we bond over our fondness for these not-forgotten yet long ago times.
The past few weeks, during the early part of autumn, I somehow encompassed all three (nature, traditions, roots), with little effort and awareness. Repeat trips to my childhood home in Northeastern PA, my roots, didn’t disappoint. I reveled in the splendor of the trees, the tops displaying just a hint of red, found new walking and hiking paths to explore, and settled into an Eagles game on a Sunday with my parents. No Friday night lights, but I can always here the echo of the band in my mind.
I challenge you to explore all three this season. One…two…three…go!
Welcoming autumn,
Jackie
