Autumn Splendor

©2009 begin with a Sunny Outlook

Get out and enjoy the great outdoors, starting right in your own backyard. Warm afternoons are great for completing the fall chores and the cool evenings are perfect for sitting around an outdoor fireplace.

SOME MAY FIND IT HARD TO LET GO of summer, while others greatly anticipate the season of autumn for its fiery colors, crisp days, cool nights, tailgating at a college football game, and the aroma of a freshly baked pumpkin pie.

Although the temperatures are cooler, autumn is still a great time of the year to be active outdoors. There is still a lot to do in the yard in the way of maintenance from planting spring bulbs to getting the gutters cleaned out. And perhaps an autumn outdoor gathering is on the list of plans. You may be thinking about having friends over for a home tailgating party while the game is on; celebrating various harvest holidays; may be this year it’s your turn to host that big harvest holiday known as Thanksgiving Day (aka the day of endless football games and turkey!); or, perhaps just a quiet evening around the outdoor fire pit with good friends and a good vintage.

As for outdoor activities, autumn has just as many interesting things to do as the season of summer (only maybe with a sweater). Swimming and sunbathing are replaced by hiking on a trail at the peak of fall color, taking the family to an apple farm or the pumpkin patch, and raking the fallen leaves into a big pile and letting the kids play in it before taking it out to the curb. And, of course, golf, tennis, and walking are always favorites.

Many women flock to the plethora of fall craft shows that seem to be scheduled for every weekend. It is a great time to have lunch with a friend and then together hit a few craft shows to get a head start on buying holiday gifts.

This season also presents many opportunities for community socializing and volunteering. Little league teams need soccer and football coaches and event organizers. Many churches sponsor clothing, blanket, and food drives for local charities. Charity fundraisers may need a donation of baked goods, or of items you may no longer need (and may be taking up prime space in your garage!).

Welcome the season of autumn for all it has in store for you!