Glimpses into Fall during normally hot summer days are my favorite. I’m sitting here with the window open, enjoying a nice breeze, and this blog is pouring out of my fingers. Fall is my time of the year. I love everything about it. Sure summer is nice, but I’m over the BBQ’s and endless weekend commitments, not to mention the 90 degree heat waves and pop up thunderstorms that knock out my satellite TV.

I’m ready for cool weather and lazy football Sundays, personally my very favorite part of Fall. I’m not your typical girl. I will sit all day and watch football because I want to, not because my husband wants me to. I am the returning champ in our fantasy football league, and I genuinely enjoy and respect the game.

I love that over-sized jerseys and sweat pants are accepted outfits, pigging out on nachos and pizza is standard, starting to drink at 1:00 pm is not only normal behavior, but encouraged, and life slows down for those few hours when we can throw ourselves into football world.

No one is focused on work, everyone is fixated on their team, their fantasy team, coaching strategies, the cheerleaders, whatever your fancy.

The cool breeze flows into your living room, one of the few times of the year in Pittsburgh that you don’t need heat or air, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a hint of a bonfire or someone burning nearby. You’re probably in the company of good friends or family too, because Sundays in the Fall just seem to scream togetherness.

There is also just a smell in the air. I can’t describe it, but I know it when I smell it. It reminds me of the first day of school and new beginnings. Speaking of school, another great Fall tradition is going to high school football games. The sound of the marching band, the cheers from the crowd, the smell of greasy snack bar food and coffee, and the joy of youth all around you.

I met my husband in September many years ago, so Fall also reminds me of those first few months together. A time in our lives when everything was new and exciting, options were endless, worries were few, and love was all that mattered. Even though responsibilities, work, a house, a kid, and bills take up much of our time these days, Fall helps remind us of the beginning and how much in love we were and still are.

I’m a sucker for a hot beverage (Sheldon Cooper voice) and Fall is the best time to sit on your porch (if you’re lucky enough to have one; I use my Moms when I can) to sip a steaming hot cup of tea, coffee, cocoa, and just chit-chat. My friend Meesh and I talk all the time about how awesome it will be when we are old, and we sit outside on our rockers with our blankets on our laps and our hot coffee, discussing the neighborhood gossip.

And of course, Fall TV! My top five in random order: Boardwalk Empire, The League, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Survivor, and New Girl. I know, quite a mish mash of shows. But I relate with each of them. I want to live in the ’20s and be a gangster. I want to live and breathe fantasy football and win the Shiva. I want to work at Paddy’s and be in the gang. I want to go to an island full of strangers and survive off the land (no I don’t, but I said I related, so now I’m stuck). And lastly, I want to be Jess. She is quirky and funny and lovable and she dates the hottest guys, right?? Dr. Sam?? Nick?? Plus, I do a mean Zooey D. impersonation!

And lastly, rounding out Fall’s awesome splendor: the trees. Who doesn’t love Fall colors? Everyone snaps at least one photo a year of a giant orange or yellow tree. And when the leaves fall, the rustling of someone walking through them, or just the site of them littered along the street, makes me feel alive and happy inside. If only the world was always that colorful. It really does affect your mood.

Fall is fleeting, only lasting a few weeks before Winter rears its ugly head and snow begins to cover our colors. I think that’s what makes it so magical.

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.”
-Jim Bishop

What makes Fall special for you?