Autumn Wonder!

There’s just something magical about fall. I love it. Minus the cold rain and the endless football season, it’s a delightful time of year. To me, even the word autumn is whimsical.

I love the cooler air even though it stings my eyes a little on a frosty morning. I revel in the sounds of autumn—munching on a crisp green apple or running through crunchy piles of leaves. The smells of fall enthrall me as well—the freshly mowed slick wet grass or that unique smell of pumpkins. There is just so much to enjoy about fall—apple cider, candy corn and caramel apples; hayrides, bonfires and hikes. Simply marvelous!

This past weekend I got to spend some time out in the open air for a couple of hours. It was a cooler weekend with highs in the mid 50’s, and while the weather man kept predicting rain, it was a pleasant cool but sunny day for a girls’ outing to a local winery.

The drive provided us with wonderful views of the bright fall foliage. Isn’t it amazing how quickly the leaves turn colors? I know it’s a chemical thing. The leaves are simply doing what leaves do, but it’s no less miraculous.

At the winery, we were warmed up from the inside out as we sampled new varieties. I discovered that some wines actually do taste as they are described. In my limited experience, I’ve been baffled with how wines are supposedly flavored. I read the label and am discouraged that I can’t taste what I am supposed to taste.

Soft oak finish or a hint of oak: Huh? Am I buying kitchen cabinets or alcohol? Do I want to taste wood when I am sipping wine?

Reminiscent of berry, violet and spice: OK. So this was made in memory of berries, violet and spice? How touching!

Raspberry and watermelon: Wow! So, were the raspberries and watermelon merely within a 3 mile radius at the time the wine was made or what? Did someone forget to put them in the wine?

Caramel and nuts: Really? Where? Is there ice cream?

Well, this weekend I discovered that blackberry wine actually tastes like blackberries, and I was thrilled at this new discovery! I didn’t have to use my imagination or lie about it. It was good stuff! I actually tasted the blackberries, and I couldn’t stop gushing about it. It was impressive. I’m not saying I’d want it every day, mind you, but every once in a while wouldn’t be bad.

And while my friends shopped at the winery, I explored the great outdoors. Camera in tow, I walked down to the lake and admired the tranquil setting. I enjoyed the pumpkin displays and the vividly colored floral arrangements.

Afterwards, we drove to Bloomington and visited the IU campus. My friend Sara, an IU alum, gave us a tour of the grounds as we enjoyed the crisp fall air and marveled at the brilliant foliage. I took lots of pictures of nature’s classic beauties amidst the stately grandeur of the historic buildings. Wonderful!

We finished up the evening with a tasty meal at a local pub that is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Fried pickles are rather sublime!

It’s moments like these that I need to savor—moments of pure joy in my current state of affairs. Maybe that’s why I take so many pictures, why memories are so important, and why it is vital to me to capture each moment—I like to remember. Not so that I can be depressed because that exuberant day is over, but rather on a future gloomy day, I can once again relive this prime moment and see all the beauty and joy that my life has afforded me. And be reminded again of how blessed I am...