F5: Seasonal Changes

Singing Owl poses these questions:

Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest. Jeremiah 5:23b

The Autumnal Equinox has just come 'round again. I took a look back at our Friday Fives and noted that it always seems to make the Rev Gals and their Pals think of changes.

There is something so nostalgic about this time of year, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. The nights grow cooler, crops are harvested, for some of us the leaves are beginning to change colors. The scent of smoke is in the air, pumpkins are in the stores (or on wagons, or in roadside stands for those of us in the country). I'm thinking of putting away my summer clothes and pulling out the sweaters. And I have a tub of Fall-themed items that my husband just lugged up from the basement. I'm looking for my scarecrow.

For this week, let's share some memories along with some hopes and expectations.

1. Share a Fall memory.

I have always loved the smell of burning leaves (and mourned the loss of leaf piles to jump in). At the last parsonage we lived in, the closest trees were mostly evergreens, so there was no raking, and no piles for jumping. Even in the rental house we have now, there's not enough leaves to fool with. :(

2. Your favorite Fall clothes--(past or present)?

Light sweaters and blue jeans, any day. I'm anticipating fall here in Beaufort; calendar dates don't mean much here, and it's been HOT AND MUGGY this week. Today I've got my jeans on because I've got a visit scheduled with a church member who has a great dog--so I can play and not worry about stains and scratches.

3. Share a campfire story, song, experience...etc.

Many, many moons ago, when I was a "junior," I went with our troop of Brownies to a camping weekend at a Boy Scout camp. They told the story of Red Eye, a one-eyed feral hound that would attack unwary campers. Then, when we had begun to doze off, they put a red filter over the lens of a flashlight and ran around the tent. I don't remember how many of those girls stepped on me as they ran around screaming, but it was a lot. At least they were small.

4. What is your favorite thing about this time of year?

The cooler, drier weather. See #2 above!

5. What changes are you anticipating in your life, your church, family...whatever...as the season changes and winter approaches?

Not many. The pace of life doesn't really slow in the summer around here anymore. But there should be a completed draft of my dissertation by Christmas. That'll be a pretty big change.

Bonus: What food says "AUTUMN" at your house? Recipes always appreciated.
Apple cake from Smitten Kitchen's recipe and cranberry-glazed pork roast.
Bonus: overnight french toast. I use the whole loaf of bread, pour remaining egg mixture to sit overnight, and then drain remaining egg mix off before I top and bake it. Yum.