I’m warming up to autumn

Tomorrow is fall!

Pumpkins, apple cider, falling leaves and hayrides are just a few of the wonderful things we have to look forward to with autumn’s arrival.

I used to be very wary of this season. Too much was dying and too much was being left behind. The sun began to set earlier and earlier every day, I could no longer go outside without a shiver, and the flowers and trees were preparing to go to sleep for the long winter ahead. The skies were gray, the trees were gray and my emotions were gray.

I felt gloomy when the weather and the leaves started to change, and I continuously wished for summer until the snow began to fall. And then it was time for Christmas and all was well again.

But now, as the weather cools down, I’m actually warming up to the idea of fall. It smells festive outside, and the nip in the air is nostalgic rather than sad. I’m enjoying wearing my comfy sweaters and breaking out the jackets again - and who can argue with a great cup of steaming coffee or hot cider on a chilly day?

We in Western New York go through four unique seasons: something that not everyone is able to experience. I’m learning to appreciate them all - even fall - and welcome their march through our lives with open arms.

Although I’ll always breathe a sigh of relief when the weather warms up after a particularly rough Buffalo winter, and I know I’ll be happy to put away the fleece and flannel for some summer wear, I’m focusing more on the beauty and blessings available to all of us this fall instead of being sad that my dearly-beloved summer is ending.

I’ve been hearing radio announcements - complete with musical selections - announcing the return of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Buffalo. This is one of my favorite heralds to my favorite holiday, Christmas, and is reminding me that change is OK and that the next season will be just as pleasant as this one has been.

Enjoy the changing of the season - there are many places to go to view the beautiful, colorful leaves appearing around us. And if you spot a particularly gorgeous view or stumble across a great place to park to check out the sights, let us know about it, so we can share this lovely season with the rest of our readers.