Changing Seasons

In Texas, Fall means the end of 100-degree temperatures and the changing of the leaves - from green to brown to gone. It also means decorating with reds, oranges, and yellows so that we can dream about real seasons and pretend to experience them.

For the first time in my life, I've gotten a taste of what Autumn is really all about. Several weeks ago, out of the blue, I started seeing Fall colors on my drive to work. Cooler weather arrived as well - even though this Fall has apparently been "unseasonably warm" here in Illinois, we've had a few pleasantly brisk days that make me want to break out the sweaters and boots.

To celebrate our first official Fall season, Eduardo and I went with another couple to a local apple orchard! Before heading out to the field, we filled our bellies with fresh apple cinnamon donuts and frozen apple slushies from the general store. We also stocked up on homemade cider and apple butter - yum yum! Then we headed outside for our apple picking. I was amazed at the pretty little trees, each laden with hundreds of apples. It didn't take long to fill our bags with dozens of apples, all hand picked by us! Since then, we've enjoyed sampling all the different varieties we were able to find in the orchard.

Here's a picture of Eduardo hand picking a Golden Delicious apple, with another already in his "apple picker" tool.

Here's our friend Emily with a cute little apple she picked.

Happy Fall everyone - whether you are enjoying the colors with us or not! :)