September Passing

Took a long walk with my beloved dog this morning. Watched the dew evaporate from the grass. Came back home and started a pot of broccoli cheese soup. Thought about September passing, thought about putting summer away and walking towards fall, which is right around the provibial corner. Wondered what kind of winter we might have this year and prayed the power would stay on all winter, no disastrous ice storms, no darkness, no fear, no dismal, dark, unrelenting cold.

I love fall, but I don't love winter, not here in the Ozarks. I don't love brown, molded trees and lawns, don't love unforgiving, mocking ice. I don't love getting up in the dark, driving to work in the dark, driving back back home in the dark. Having said that, I love the mystery of it all, the quiet, the lack of summer riotness that is fall and winter here where I make my home now.

Here is what I look forward to, in this autumnal spirit; I am looking forward to full-bodied casseroles, hearty soups, candlelight, big flavored bread, red wine, quiet laughter with friends, red maples, golden maples, leaves strewn about on sidewalks, pumpkins carved or not on porches, random dashes through corn mazes. I am looking forward to fleece, pretty sweaters, black tights, heavy earrings. I am looking forward to the first snow, which may not happen until January but regardless, I'll be ready with a pot of herbal tea to salut it's arrival.

Where are you and what are your fall rituals?