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