Autumn 2009.

Yesterday, a day I was waiting for, passed and I didn't even get to comment on it because my internet was out. So, I'm going to pretend that the big event of yesterday actually happened today and say:

Happy First Day of Autumn!

• Start packing up your bathing suits and beach chairs.
• Bring out your worn-in riding boots, your soft scarves and your coats with a million buttons.
• Map out long walks with someone who tucks your hands into his coat pockets when they get cold.
• Go to every local coffee shop in town to test who makes the best hot chocolate.
• Get cooking: dig up recipes for roast chicken, savory soups, and warm apple tarts.
• Plan long movie nights for when the days get shorter.
• Wake up each morning to smell the air. Autumn smells like nothing else.
• Attempt to care about college football and allow yourself to be dragged to tailgate.
• Keep the windows open for as long as possible.
• Wake up early head to the farmers market. Squash, eggplant, carrots, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, figs, plums--all in season.
• Add an extra blanket to the bed--something colorful and warm.
• Drink tea: peach, chai, white, blackberry, peony, redbush--find your favorite.
• Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Include a picnic basket. This is a must.).
• Switch to autumn music: Fleet Foxes is the autumnest band I've ever heard.
  

Above all, enjoy this season full of change and all the feelings it stirs up. This is the only autumn of 2009 we'll ever have.