The Old Tattered Flag

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Autumn is finally here!


I was born in New Hampshire and raised in Vermont for the first 20 years of my life.  Though I lived in Europe for a couple of years and then for the remaining 24 years of our military life lived many places in the US, I always knew we'd end up back in the Northeast.  Home is always home and we adopt many of the "feelings" of home.  For me something happens in August...a restlessness with summer and the heat.  I become tired of outside activities, flowers, cookouts....I know it sounds crazy doesn't it?  But, my thoughts start to turn to earlier evenings, cooler nights, hunkering down.  It's probably a good thing we decided to settle in Northern New York because we have plenty of time to "hunker down".  For me, Fall is such a warm time of year even though cooler temps move in.  I remember as a little girl watching my dad prepare the wood pile for the long winter ahead.  Craft fairs would occur in little churches or halls.  Cooler evenings where you needed a hat and gloves became more frequent, though as kids we would try to get our time to play outside as long as we could.   I often asked Marcky, the girl who worked with Mom and I what they did in the fall for festivals.  She was from New Mexico and I believe she told me something about chilis or tamales...I'm sorry Marcky, really, I was listening, but you know my memory.  The reason I had asked her this was because she had attended a hook-in with Mom and I and we were heading home and stopped off at a pumpkin stand where there were tons of apples, cider, baked goods.....the true beginning of fall.  For her, the chilis were her "home comfort".  We all have those yearnings.  For me, there is a special feeling, I start to love see the glow of a candle (apple scented of course) as the sky darkens earlier....

....and the first Macintosh apples.  Oh, the crispness!!  I love them!


...and of course anything pumpkin....even if it is a pumpkin cupcake from Walmart!


And I don't know why but I get this overwhelming urge to cook Pot Roast!!  Is that a New England thing?  I think it is...no one understands pot roast like a New Englander!


I think I love Fall because it  is the beginning of Holiday season and you know you are going to be digging out your decorative items.  Pumpkins and bittersweet will be followed by feather trees and ornaments.  I just love it all!


There is also nothing like a Fall sky.  I don't know why, it's just different.  Probably because as you stand on the deck getting the picture it is chilly and you know it's time for your wool socks....

So,  that is why I love Fall.  Many of my friends here think I'm crazy, but I know some of you must feel the same way because I see an increase in patterns, woolens and kits flying out the door.  I think as women we are like little squirrels, packing away all our projects for the long winter.


So, I hope you are all feeling the comforts of "home" as Fall creeps into our lives.  Take a moment to enjoy the season, check out the leaves, go to a farmers market or craft fair.  Or even grab your favorite craft (punching or hooking hopefully), a cup of cider and enjoy the evening! 
Until next time.....

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

You must be a "nester", like me! I do appreciate the warm/hot summer days and all the sunshine, but I'm always ready for the shorter days, cozy fall clothes, comfort food (!), cozying up and making "stuff"! I want to 'play' indoors, not outdoors! C.

Gramona said...

I totally agree with the "Pot Roast" thing....and I am not a New Englander ! lol

Crow’s Foot Farm Designs said...

I agree with you completely, and tomorrow I will be making pot roast in the crockpot! I love hunkering down in the cool, dark months.

acorn hollow said...

I was born and raised in Maine and have lived most of my married life in NH so I understand completely. I had chili and home made bread for dinner Sat night and we had our winter dinner of grilled cheese and warm soup Sunday night I am really excited to see the seasons change. I wore jeans and a cozy sweater for the first time yesterday it felt so good. I have piled on the homemade quilts on the beds it is heaven. I also believe it is exciting to see the first snow (as long as I don't have to drive) So as a new Englander I couldn't agree more.
cathy

theoldtatteredflag said...

Here's to us nesters!!!

theoldtatteredflag said...

Yea, but are close enough.....:)!

theoldtatteredflag said...

That's when we get most of our hooking done! 😀

theoldtatteredflag said...

Everything sounds wonderful!!

LSalamy said...

Ha, I moved to New Mexico from Massachusetts (born in Connecticut), and I TOTALLY get the pot roast thing. Have learned about the chiles; in late August they start bringing them in from the fields. Almost every grocery store and farm stand will roast them outside for free (when you buy a 20-pound or more bag - lots do!). That wonderful aroma is what Marcky was talking about.

Myra said...

Totally on the same page as you about fall!! I got on my daughter-in-laws Facebook page today and went way back reading all the posts. OMG you guys are something else.... and now more space for your expanding business. Good for you!!! I truly would volunteer my services if I lived close by... doing anything you gals needed help with. The best to all. Your gonna have lots of fun days ahead.

Primitive Stars said...

Morning, loved your post, I'm so into Fall!!!!! Blessings Francine.

theoldtatteredflag said...

Oh, how nice! Thank you for letting me know. Traditions are part of what makes home HOME.

theoldtatteredflag said...

I would love it if you lived nearby Myra! Thanks!

theoldtatteredflag said...

Thank you Francine!

About Me

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my blog. I am married and just entering the second phase of my life as a Army retiree's wife. My husband and I did 25+ years in the Army. He is now officially a retired Colonel and has just entered the civilian workforce and I am happily settled in our 1830 Stone house. I (along with my Mom) operate www.theoldtatteredflag and currently we are building a small shop in the back part of the house. We live in Northern NY, right near the Canadian border. I have two handsome sons and 2 puggles. Life is busy for us, but I wouldn't have it any other way.