Summertime Blues and Autumn Reds

Fall is fast approaching with mixed emotions. 

I find it hard to say goodbye to the air and sun on my skin, my barefeet, the salt water, the sand, cookouts, daffodils and the warm rain.  And having a tan! I will miss the feeling of the indoors and outdoors having no barriers.  I hate to say goodbye to the ease of getting outside, getting to the store, or taking a trip without worrying about weather related cancellations. 

With winter, everything takes longer.  It takes time to dress for the outdoors and sometimes it takes just enough time that we can change our minds in the process (should I pull on my second smartwool sock and boot or take the first one off and call it a day?)  It gets dark early and sometimes I forgo an evening event in favor of my fireplace and flannel pj's.  I eat more in the cold months and exercise less.  I long for my skin to be bare to the elements which only works by going south (and I don't mean  a trip to South Portland).

So we must look forward to all the seasonal changes with enthusiasm, and perhaps a better attitude than we sometimes have.  I am bound and determined to make this winter as much fun and as fit and active as my summer was.  I plan to continue running and fill in with XC skiing.  I may take up snowshoeing as well.

And there are some wonderful things about the cold months that no palm tree or pina colada can replace.  SOUP!  Hearty, hot, robust soup that nourishes our souls and hearts, and warms our toes as we watch the game.  Stay tuned for some great soup recipes coming in the next several weeks!   

Meanwhile, in between the seasons, I find myself wearing shorts one day and kind of enjoying a day cool enough for jeans and a sweater the next.  It's fun to change with the seasons.  And it's not just the wardrobe.  I like to take a step back from my decor and clean up the remnants of summer. It feels good to put away the wicker.  Yesterday I pulled the light slipcover off the couch to expose the darker, autumn colored cover that has been waiting to breath again.  It was like getting a new couch (well not really!).  I also have started to rearrange the furniture again, which I do often, but have not done since early spring.   It's a good time to get to the indoor projects and clean out those closets.

And in the winter there is no more yard work to do or to pay someone to do.  I for one have a hard time taking care of the inside and outside of the house.  Winter precludes having to care for the outdoors other than clearing the snow several times.

I am aslo looking forward to the autumn county fairs, Thanksgiving, and the different light that we see in the sky.  That winter sky is oh so pretty.

Yes, I think fall and winter will be good this year.  I have decided that it will, in fact, be the best ever.

Kate Lowry Designs, LLC is a full service staging and redesign firm.  "I will bring your home's best features forward,  for funtion, beauty or resale."

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