Hints of Fall

Fall 2013 at my local park

  This is how I know it's fall...

1. It's getting cold! 
I've added layers of clothing and blankets, and I'm fighting the urge (daily) to crank up my thermostat and pull out my winter coat (two unmistakable signs of winter in Western New York). I know that once those two things happen, they'll continue to happen for the next six (if not seven) months, so I'm holding off for now. I guess my space heater would be the appropriate compromise.

2. It's getting dark!
Evenings are getting darker earlier, which makes me want to hibernate in my pajamas after work as long and early as possible. (See #1 for an additional reason to hibernate.)

3. I'm craving pumpkin-flavored items.
I've never liked pumpkin-flavored anything (not even pie), yet I find myself searching online for pumpkin recipes and baking pumpkin bread, pumpkin-chocolate brownies, and pumpkin-chocolate pie (the chocolate nicely disguises the pumpkin flavor, but still...) If this behavior continues unchecked, I fear I'll be driving through Tim Horton's for the pumpkin-flavored treats I hear advertised on Pandora radio at least once every morning...(Come to think of it, I suspect these Tim Horton's ads may be responsible for my pumpkin cravings.)

4. I got my flu shot yesterday.
I was quite pleased with myself for crossing this essential item off my list until just a few hours afterward when my arm started aching like it had been walloped by a Louisville slugger. Then I just had to laugh at my wimpiness and utter lack of pain tolerance while attempting to wash dishes and wash, dry, and fold a heavy load of laundry with one arm.

5. Figure skating!
My beloved figure skating is back on television, and it's an Olympic season, so there will be more of it. And not only is it on my TV, it's in my proverbial backyard as well. 

I was feeling adventurous this past Columbus Day, so I decided to risk limb (did I mention I'm a neurotic wimp?) by checking out a public skating session at my local ice rink. To my delight, I stayed upright and enjoyed every second, despite massive skate-induced blisters on my right ankle. (I also stayed by the boards in an effort to prevent the inevitable fall(s), but I'm getting a feel for the ice and slowly picking up speed in basic forward gliding.) 

As a result of my bravery, I think I may have found a new, much-needed reason to look forward to fall and winter!