Friday, September 4, 2009

Autumn is in the air


Autumn is here in Northern Germany. Today it was in the low 60’s. Time to turn on the furnace, Hubby doesn't think so, put on a sweater he says. What is autumn? For me it is sweater weather, soups and afternoon tea. Curling up under a blanket, taking a walk kicking through piles of leaves. Acorns and yellow mums, nighttime earlier and earlier.

Growing up in Northern New Jersey I have the fondest childhood memories of autumn. Piles and piles of leaves, having my own rake and a section of the yard, all for me to rake. Riding our bikes through town raining leaves from all the Oak and Maple trees. Cabbage night and my Birthday all on the same night followed by Halloween, my favorite holiday of all.

Now living in Germany, autumn means the same in many ways as before. But different in many ways too. Labor Day is Monday in the States, it was always my official start of the autumn season. Monday is just another day here, no end of summer BBQ, closing the swimming pools, putting up storm windows. Just Monday the 7th of September.

When we moved here a year ago, Labor Day was our first holiday not celebrated. It's hard to think we are coming around again to all the holiday's missed. No Labor Day, no Halloween, no Thanksgiving, all the things that help define autumn.

But the crisp air, leaves and acorns tell me it's here, better go get a sweater on and make some tea. Curl up under a blanket it's here.

Picture taken last autumn on our country walk

21 comments:

Deidra said...

I have great memories of NJ autumns, as well! Fall is one of my favorite seasons.

Is it hard to believe you've been in Germany for a year! Amazing!

Have a happy weekend, friend!

Andrea said...

I love fall. Sorry you are missing the holiday celebrations. You reminded me that I take these celebrations and many other things for granted.
Blessings and prayers, andrea

preppyplayer said...

I love that picture. Fall is my favorite for all the same reasons as yours. The ONLY part I do not like is how early the sun goes down.
As for labor Day? You could still celebrate on Sunday:)

Somer Love said...

you can still celebrate silly!

Have your very own BBQ and your very own spook alley.

Hmm perhaps you need some pumpkin peeps Ill keep my eyes peeled :)

Leciawp said...

I would still celebrate. Beautiful photo; beautiful reflective post. xoxo

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

What a beautiful post and photo. Sounds like you had the quintessential autumns growing up. I have only experienced that on a couple trips back east and I loved it.

Shady Lady said...

I think it's time for you to start your own Labor Day tradition. Party time, German style!!

Ann said...

You are making me miss autumn! Apparently we're not anywhere close to that here in TX. But I know what you mean about the holidays - hopefully you'll have a great German Christmas to make up for it!

bevchen said...

There's nothing stopping you from having a BBQ.
And quite a lot of people here celebrate halloween. Maybe not in Bremen though.

Joyce said...

The colors on your walk are beautiful! At the party tomorrow I will raise a glass of beer up to the stars just for you. Have a wonderful weekend my friend. xoxo

Claudya Martinez said...

I love sweaters and layers and walks in the crisp air.

Ina in Alaska said...

I LOVE to rake leaves!!! I put on the iPod and go for it.... but I am about to extend my summer a bit with my trip to the Jersey Shore..looking forward to seeing my family (and hopefully the Preppy)

The leaves are all beginning to turn here but it was in the high 60s today. As I walked my dogs this afternoon I was enjoying seeing Anchorage pack up their RVs and boats in preparation to head out of town for the long weekend. Many smiles on the faces.....

Have a lovely weekend, dear... xoxo

A home far away said...

Lovely photos of autumm!

Hugs Gunilla in Singapore

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

I love the season changing & all that goodness... Can't wait! Unfortunately it feels like a hot summer here...HOT!!! Great weekend dear~

Bobbi said...

I love Autumn as well! I'm so glad to be back in a state where there are actual seasons. I can't wait to see the leaves change here!

AiringMyLaundry said...

I am looking forward to autumn.

My kids have really cute autumn outfits.

Oh, and the scenery is nice too.

bernthis said...

I love love love Autumn on the East Coast. The leaves. Oh the beautiful leaves.

Sonya said...

It's hard sometimes isnt it. When we first came to the netherlands, the 4th of july was our first holiday we couldnt celebrate. It felt so odd. Christmas is even different here. I have fallen in love with the german christmas markets though and make a point to never miss one.

Everyone back home is camping and bbqing this weekend. Here? it's dreary and like you said,just another day..

Unknown said...

Man! So you have to work tomorrow? ICK! I love Labor day weekend : ) So nice for an extra day off work!

pve design said...

I love your
Autumn memories! Perhaps you could have a bbq in Germany for your friends there....show them a US custom.
Happy Autumn to you!
pve

The Stiletto Mom said...

Gorgeous leaves....we are going to Vermont to see the foliage this year, can't wait! Of course, we will also be the only people under 65 there but oh well!