Fall Fever In Mid Summer

The urge to transition from summer into fall is becoming intense. This is never a surprise given how much I prefer fall over summer but it’s surprising that I’m already thinking about it.

I typically make it to Labor Day before indoor decor transitions to pumpkins and plaids, woodsy aromas and piles of recipes for soups and baked goods. It’s normally late September before I pull out a few Halloween decorations and begin stockpiling mums, asters and pumpkins on the front porch like some sort of pumpkin spice emergency may lie ahead.

And yet, here we are.

We’ve recently had a couple of mornings that felt like fall. Low sixties with blue skies and a slight rustle in the trees feel refreshing enough to trick you into believing summer will be over soon.

I have already started a stack of movies, books and tv shows for fall and am thinking about recipes. I’ve been looking for some vintage amber glassware and am wishing I had planted some pumpkins. How fun would it be to have your own backyard pumpkin patch?

I always say that half the fun is in the planning and anticipation. I suppose this will give me plenty of time to be ready!!

Changing Seasons Inside And Out

The changing seasons and natural world are a favorite topic of mine. There’s nothing more refreshing than the start of a new season and all the unique qualities that come with it. Time in nature teaches you to appreciate the progression of change, even those that many think are unpleasant.

I look forward to the progression of seasons – even the dreaded summer that I dislike so much. Something else I anticipate is the change in my home.

I like to regularly update the look of my home simply by rearranging and recycling things I already own. So the couches and chairs and big things stay the same but embellishments change regularly. This gets ramped up in fall when I drag out the pumpkins and owls, cozy blankets and candles in oranges, browns and shades of dark blues, purples and green. I actually own more fall decor than most normal people have for Christmas.

This year, my tastes have changed slightly and I began incorporating more wood and rattan, lending new textures to my happy surroundings.

The current state of things here is that I’m dying to decorate for Christmas but am holding off until Thanksgiving leftovers have been carried out the door.

What happens Thursday night – well – let’s just say there are no guarantees that I won’t be dragging Christmas decorations out of the closet. I have enough stuff, including full sized trees, to decorate every room. With Scout on the prowl and excited to chew on artificial pine, I have to be mindful and careful of his safety so there won’t be a lot of trees. Instead, there will be more soft things, window garlands, tablescapes and shelf sitters to pull holiday cheer into my entire home.

As I’m excited for the coming winter season, I can hardly wait to cozy up my home and make it festive. I’m also excited to see how my changing tastes manifest into Christmas decor this year.

Trust that whatever happens, it will change and improve as I play with my surroundings throughout the holidays!

When do you decorate for Christmas? Early? Late? When you get around to it? This is a judgment free space so tell me all about it!

Ava, Hunter and Hinslee’s Produce Stand

If you’re in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio and in need of pumpkins, mums and other outdoor fall decor, be sure to stop by Ava, Hunter and Hinslee’s Produce Stand just outside Logan.

The prices are good and the products are great quality. Plus, you’re helping a good cause. You see, the profits of this family business benefit the kids’ college funds. The kids are little and cute and it’s awesome to see a family teaching the value of hard work and saving money while learning to care for their merchandise and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit.

They had a yard full of mums of all colors when I stopped last night. However, I saw on Facebook this will be the last shipment of mums for the year. They’re four for $20, a real bargain considering their size and health.

Specialty pumpkins are eight bucks while others range in price from two to six dollars. Small gourds are a dollar each. I wanted to buy a fistful of these little guys. At .25 they were a bargain but I couldn’t think of a thing to do with them. That never stopped me from buying stuff before so that’s an unexpected regret!

They also have Indian corn and hay plus tomatoes, peppers, honey and jam. I picked up a jar of tomato jam that was made by a Lancaster company and can’t wait to try it.

They’re located at 14111 Old Mcarthur Road, Logan and are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There are two more things you need to know. This is a cash only business and you either need to bring exact change or be prepared to donate your change. You see, you pay by the honor system. You tally up what you have and drop your money in a tube.

There was another lady there filling up her Jeep with mums and pumpkins, joyfully picking out just the right ones. She said it was her third trip there because she likes to decorate outside for fall. Her husband would probably have a fit because she was buying more but the neighbors like it and she’s supporting a good cause.

Besides, we agreed that fall is the best season and we need to celebrate early and often. So go get you some pretty things for the porch or pick up some peppers and tomatoes for homemade salsa and help those youngsters get to college!

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