Bring it on!

Today I saw the first glimpse of fall.

The weather, which has been searing and dank and suffocating, as August tends to be in the Mid-Atlantic, took a turn toward fall today. Still warm and sunny, the air lost it's heavy, languid feeling of summer, and the dry breeze that kissed one's cheek almost felt cool. It's temporary, but a definite prelude to fall, which will begin settling in in earnest in the next month.

I love fall. It is my absolute favorite time of year. I love everything about it. I love how the horizon darkens just slightly on my way home from work, the sunlight turns golden instead of yellow, the leaves put on a brilliant display of crimson, gold and orange, the shadows grow just a little longer and the air has a bite to it. I love the first days where you wear a jacket to ward off the morning chill, when foods with fragrant memories - pumpkin, cider and crisp apples - fill my kitchen. I love the settling of the summer bustle as the long winter awaits. I love the smell of wood smoke and cinnamon and damp leaves. I love the early morning fog, the influx of migratory Canadian geese and the rich colors that fill the landscape.

As a child, I loved beginning a new school year - new friends, teachers, subjects, routines. I love the anticipation of the fall and winter holidays.

It's still several weeks down the road, but this morning I stepped out of my house and was almost giddy at Mother Nature's brief nod to the change in seasons. Fall is on it's way. Bring it on.