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I just found at that, by not using air conditioning this summer, we chopped $276 off our electric bill as compared to last summer. I complained the whole way and envied those who used their units–I was far from a noble sufferer (ask Bill). Cold showers before going to bed are not pleasant, and only somewhat helpful in lowering one’s temperature. I even slept with an ice pack one night.
But now that it’s over, I can at least sound really positive about the whole experience. We saved a substantial amount of money. We lowered our energy consumption. I’d like to think I’m a tougher person for the ordeal (Bill was fine the entire time–heat doesn’t bother him, especially after surviving Marines boot camp in South Carolina in the summer). I grew a new appreciation for going to work–since it was air conditioned. And probably most of all, I’m exponentially more grateful to the Creator of the seasons for making this summer a relatively mild one.
Now bring on Autumn. I’ve got a pocketfull of money to spend on sweaters!
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Autumn is my favoritest season. My September 1st is another child’s December 24th. I look forward to Fall that much, and made sure to get married in it. Of course, the other seasons are nice, too. Winter in New England brings stark, barren beauty to the countryside. Spring inspires me to garden and clean. Summer beaches lure me with promise of do-nothing days finished off by a nice tan. But Autumn…
Autumn means amazing views. Quaint towns with tall white steeples shaded by oranges, yellows and reds. Historic buildings looking even more historic. Sweeping dappled hills. Early sunsets turning the side of a red barn peach. Morning frosts outlining the warm-hued leaves with blues from the opposite side of the color wheel. Pumpkins, bittersweet and mums everywhere. Autumn in the city is nice, but it’s got nothing on the country.
Autumn means intoxicating smells. Outdoor bonfires, pumpkin pie, pine, spicy things, grass and oranges (autumn was always soccer season), leaves, and apple cider. Autumn means delicious food, too, with the harvest still fresh for the eating.
Autumn means the best activities. Like I said, it was always soccer season. But it is also the start of school (I loved school), trips to Old Sturbridge Village, crafting warm things, craft fairs, apple picking, pumpkin picking, bonfires, foliage hikes, and raking, raking and more raking. Come to think of it, raking wasn’t all that fun. But jumping in the piles was.
Autumn means warm clothes. Tweeds, woolens, leathers, velvets. Which can be summed up visually by my favorite leaf-time movie, Anne of Avonlea. Notice the season in which Anne and Gilbert finally confess their love. Coincidence? I think not.
What’s your favorite aspect of autumn?
