so long, farewell

Ben had his last day at GMC yesterday. He was pretty sad about it. But, he got to walk to the craft store with a teacher & the other remaining kindergartner, and pick out some materials for a craft to take home.

Behold, our newest autumn decor! Benjamin did a great job, and it even smells good.

autumn gush

I love autumn.

I know it's not technically here yet, and even if one were to go by "school has started, it's autumn"... the weather is pretty warm still. But in spite of all that, there's a nip in the air, and...well, after all, it is September. So I'm going to officially embrace autumn's arrival, come what may.

Today I changed the bedding in the master bedroom. It's become a bit of a ceremonial thing with me; I change the bedspread & sheets every autumn and every spring. The spring/summer bedding is cream, blue, and mauve (including a beautiful quilt that Jeff's mom and grandmother made as a wedding present), and the autumn/winter bedding is a warm brown & deep brick red. It always makes me feel so happy to make the seasonal bedding change...it feels like I am ringing in the new part of the year in my own little way.

I can't help it, I just love autumn. I love the crisp morning air, the sunny days (well, while they last) and the smell of dried leaves. I love the other smells of autumn, too: pumpkin, spiced apple... I love the colors of autumn: the warm reds, oranges, browns, yellows, and even grays & blacks. I love the clothes of autumn: my beloved corduroy pants, my cozy sweaters. Getting out my clothes when the weather gets cooler is a bit like getting reacquainted with some old, dear friends.

All this said, I may be singing a different tune come November, when the rain starts in (and doesn't relent for four or five months). But for now, I am going to enjoy this beautiful Oregon autumn while I can. It is truly my favorite time of year.