This week while working in my garden, I found the first vivid red leaves on our sunset maples, and the temps during my morning walk have become brisk. The joys of the first hints of Autumn in Upland always make me think of Jay Kesler (former president of Taylor University and Youth for Christ) reciting this James Whitcomb Riley poem at Taylor University when I was a student and when I worked there.
Why am I so excited? Autumn is my favorite time of the year in Indiana, and listening to this poem is as much a tradition for me as enjoying hot beverages and soups, the smell of camp fires and burning leaves, hikes among fallen leaves, eating pumpkin pie, wearing flannel shirts, and more. Also, Autumn is wonderful for Angie as the cooler temps work better with her Multiple Sclerosis. We get to take walks and spend more time in the garden together.
What are your favorite things about Autumn?