Autumn, memories, cloudy skies, and the Indigo Girls.

We made an early morning trip to Augusta, GA not long ago.

The clouds were so dramatic, I had to take pictures.

We get amazing sunsets this time of year too,

but those picture are for another post.

Dark and cloudy skies.

I used to say that spring was my favorite season, 

I love the feeling of new life after a long cold winter.

I love the flowers and the warmth.

I love how so many people seem to warm up in the spring too, they are friendlier. 

I love how fresh and green everything seems to be.

I love being able to get outside without bundling up.

Still dark, but you can see the silver lining.

Fall comes after a long hot summer, and I am more than ready for the change.

Our trees transform themselves gradually, so at this point, there are a few hints of color.

There is still a lot of green, but the change has begun.

A little more blue in this picture.

My Parents place had apple trees (2 kinds), plum trees (3 kinds), grapes (white and red),

a pear tree, and a walnut tree. 

There were red current bushes, rhubarb, and black caps (large black berries).

We usually had a vegetable garden as well. 

Autumn meant harvesting all of that and preserving it for the winter.

I come from a big happy family and I have so many happy memories 

of the work, and the lovely things we made.

My Father was interested in Organic Gardening, I don't think he ever called it that.

It was just the way things should be done (he was born in 1914 and raised on a farm).

He took great pride in how little we wasted. We made jams and jellies, we dried fruit. 

Mom made her own soup mix of dried vegetables. 

We even made our own fruit leather and my Father made wine.

In the fall, we all came together to get the work done. 

The skies are clearing, a little.

When my children were small, I made all their Halloween costumes.

I had to get enthusiastic about the project early in the season, or they would not be done on time

(although, I will admit to putting in the last few stitches right before they headed out the door a few times).

I used to make most of the Christmas presents for our extended family, Christmas decorations too.

I have a box with Halloween and Christmas magazines that I have saved for inspirations.

Each year, when the weather starts to cool, and the grocery stores put out their Halloween displays, 

(usually around mid September in this area), my Sweet Husband, brings the box down from the attic. 

My parents are gone and the rest of us do not exchange gifts anymore

so I don't have my old excuses for frenzied crafting. I still enjoy the magazines.

Early morning over the lake.

For me "The Holidays" start with Halloween. Why wait clear till Thanksgiving? 

An unusual cloud formation, notice the disk at the top?

Autumn here in the south has much to recommend it. 

The temperatures are much milder.

We use the air conditioning rarely, and we don't need the heat yet either. 

I am looking forward to using the fireplaces. We have a stack of wood from last year ready.

Soon we will go pick up another load. Did I mention that I love the smell of the wood,

and how nice it looks all neatly stacked?

Fluffy clouds and blue skies.

Spring is lovely, but you know that all the work of summer is just around the corner.

These big old places are labor intensive, most of the work gets done when the weather is hot.

When spring comes, I will be excited. 

I will anxiously wait the end of winter, and photograph every sign of new growth.

Right now, I am enjoying fall.

So, yes, I am a fan of Halloween, and everything else the season brings. 

Early evening, side view from our front porch.

"Southland in the Springtime" by the Indigo Girls, is one of my favorite songs,

but they did not get it quite right. Autumn is the best time of year in the South.

I will post pictures as the season progresses.

Cheers,

Kat