It finally feels like fall!

It's hard to determine just when fall is if you live in a state that has warm winters and hotter-than-average summers, but I think we're finally there. We had a week where we never hit triple digits, that's the start of fall. Last week was in the low 90s - another good sign we're almost there. The next 10 days should be under 90 degrees for the high and the lows finally get down to the 50s. I think we can finally say fall is officially here. What changes happen around here? I can begin to pull out my lightest long sleeve shirts. It's a good thing when you get to expand your wardrobe, right? It also means the electric bill plummets because we switch from mostly air conditioning to mostly having the doors and windows open. It's a great time to do a house-wide cleaning project before the holidays. We begin rearranging the furniture for when we set up our Christmas tree. We donate all the old junk we've accumulated that we don't need anymore. We bring out the fall colors for our candles, tablecloths, and decor. Our menu changes quite a bit with the seasons as well. More of the recipes will include pumpkin, sweet potatoes, pomegranate, cranberries, and nutmeg. We start to look for more local, holiday events to attend, get closer to Logan's production week and play performances (in early to mid November), and Jordan will be finishing up her cake decorating classes. Adam is out in the full-time, working world, so his life won't change dramatically, but he'll be happier in the cooler weather, since his air conditioning doesn't work in the jeep. Tim will have a bit more difficulty at work, I would imagine. He started driving a flatbed in April, and never had to drive in the snow. I would think he'll run into a few states where it's snowing in the next 2 months or so before winter hits. Hopefully, he won't have to tarp out in the cold, the pouring rain, or drive in icy conditions. As for me, I know people get busy around the holidays, but for me, it's a happier time. It's when I get to cook more (since the kitchen's not so hot), which I absolutely LOVE to do. I get to try out new recipes. I love how the houses are decorated, and here in the southwest - fall is when our flowers and gardens are just getting started - so great local produce is on the way! Time to hit the Farmer's Markets! I always hated fall in New England. The colors are beautiful, yes, but it was a time of dying, bare trees, cold nights, bad weather, it gets dark by 5:00...here fall is a time of new life, new beginnings, and so much to look forward to for the next 6 to 7 months with our warm weather. I love it here.