Falling into Autumn Love

By Cal Orey

Fall is my fave time of year--autumn babies, like me, are believed by some researchers to live longer, quality lives.

In the sierra fall is flaunting its true colors. The aspens are golden, leaves are dropping, and the heater is kicking on with and without my help. I wonder if cooler October temps is a sign of a colder winter.  I have to turn to my sixth sense and rain-sensitive Aussie for a weather forecast. 
This post is from the past but timeless. But somethings change -- climate change. My 2022 forecast for the autumn is the wildfires will settle down by November. More drought, and come December and early January the West Coast may see rain, rain, rain... Snow? Not so much. Those days are over at Lake Tahoe. 

To Do Autumn List:

Ah lavender is all around me for fall.

• OUTDOORS STUFF: The firewood is in the back  covered with tarp, but not stacked as of yet. I'd rather go swimming this AM. Will put in garage when the weather clears up in a few days. I took a poll and the wood people told me I really don't have to have the chimney cleaned because I didn't use a cord of wood last fall/winter.  Pine needles? Check. They are in green bags and were hauled away yesterday. And the needles are off the rooftop.  2022 Update: Due to climate change a fireplace is not the first thing on my mind for comfort. 

• THREADS FOR WARMTH: Received earthy colored sweats, jeans, and sweaters from Victoria.  What was she thinking? I got a long and lean sweater (love it) but it's too thin! Skinny jeans fit and will keep me skinny. Got light golden colored flannel sheets as a birthday present. Cozy, cozy, cozy. 2022 Update: Paid off my Victoria card...now I get all cotton clothes (tees, jeans, sweaters) online at other stores.

• BRING FALL INSIDE: Pine cones...I am beating the squirrels. There are piles in pots on the deck and will bring some more indoors and place in baskets. After all, these are a signature of where I live. I don't remember so many pine cones on the ground but I like it--they're big, fat, and fresh. And throws. Still need to wash--the green and maroon ones. The aquarium heater is keeping my goldfish and catfish swimming. They are happy. I pray that we do not get a power outage like the 3 day blackout. Not fun. I always worry about my water-loving kindred spirits. 2022 Update: I've added fish to my tank: Goldfish, mollies, snails, a frog, and Siamese fighting fish.

• STAY WELL: Not getting the flu shot. But it's mandatory for my Aussie when he is kenneled. Note to self: Stay clear of people. Going swimming...Bliss, the pool/hot tub are mine. Tourists are AWOL this time of year. It's a local's dream. 2022 Update: Favorite pool resort has changed owners. Got a rowing machine and walk the Aussie.

• GET A MOVE ON: When I return home, I sense it's time to put up the storm windows (I took them out of the closets) for added warmth. And I will let the dogs, pup and senior, outdoors--and may let my young Aussie enjoy the treadmill before our afternoon walk. It is human heaven this time of year--less threat of big canines running loose. 2022 Update: One dog now and one cat.
• CLEAN PANTRY:  I did it late summer! All clean.  That means I need to replenish power outage type food: Nuts, dried fruit, nut butter, chocolate chips, whole grain crackers, all natural juices, spices, herbs, and water. 2022 Update: Stuffed with healthful foods. Will add baking goods when the temps plummet.
• BAKING/COOKING. Today, for both the book and cooking column I pen weekly, I'll do a stir-fry with plenty of seasonal veggies and bake an apple treat with a special creative touch. The scent of fruit and spices in the house will give me incentive to clean the fireplace--a place I will make my first fall fire, most likely within a week or two. 2022 Update: No fire is not on my mind thanks to the Mosquito Fire and California's wildfires.






• So, as I enjoy the cues of the Mother Nature's finest season, it's time to embrace off season. Fall has sprung and I'm loving it!