Fall into Autumn Bliss

 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 sierras fall is showcasing 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 used to be in the backyard covered with tarp, but not stacked as of yet. Nowadays, I have an electric fireplace -- charming, efficient, and it isn't toxic like wildfires and bad air quality.  Pine needles? Check. They are in green bags and were hauled away yesterday. And the needles are off the rooftop.  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. 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.  Note to self: Stay clear of people. Going swimming... Update: Favorite pool resort has changed owners. Got a rowing machine, weights, and walk the Aussie.

• GET A MOVE ON:  I sense it's time to put up the storm windows (I took them out of the closets) for added warmth.  It is human heaven this time of year--less threat of big canines running loose. Update: One dog now and one cat.
• CLEAN PANTRY:  I did it late summer! All clean.  That means I  replenished power outage type food: Nuts, dried fruit, nut butter, chocolate chips, whole grain crackers, all natural juices, spices, herbs, and water. 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 a healthy apple crisp without sugar or butter but with a special creative touch. The scent of fruit and spices in the house. 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!