Not much evidence of autumn in our neck of the woods yet, except kids are back in school and our oak tree’s leaves are turning a drab brown. Eventually, thousands will drift to the ground almost nonstop. One year, I raked up 23 barrels of leaves over the course of a few weeks to drag to the curb. Ach, my poor back! After that, I decided to hire a man with a blower.
Many wonderful events in my life have taken place in fall. For instance, my two sons were born in autumn. My husband and I were married in late October, around the beginning of the marriage season for Amish couples. After the harvest. In Lancaster County, PA, marriages usually take place on a Tuesday or Thursday—when the corn has been harvested and the celery grown (a tradition in Lancaster County only). The day before includes much food preparation and cleaning in the bride’s parents’ home, shop, or barn. Many in the community chip in to help. Often 300+ guests are included. Widowers may marry any time of year.
Autumn is when I miss the East Coast and the Amish of Lancaster County the most. I could watch draft horses or mules harvesting the corn in Lancaster County for hours—deep into the night if a storm such as Hurricane Sandy or an early snowfall is on its way. Both times this happened, my husband cut our trip short and were fortunate to change our tickets and catch one of the last flights out of the Philly Airport.
When I think about autumn, I consider my clothes. Suddenly, wearing brown and gold seems more appropriate than pastels. I can’t wait to switch out my summer clothes, but it’s not really cold enough to put everything away. In fact, I wore shorts a couple days ago while walking. This time of year, it seems I have mountains of clothing everywhere until the weather makes up its mind. Slowly, I sort through them and put them in storage. Even my hats. Well, of course my hats. Amish women are not burdened with such choices, other than wearing warmer coats and bonnets atop their kaaps. Would you resent having to wear the same style clothing every day or find it a relief?
Would you resent having to wear the same style all year round or find it a relief? However, much to Herb Scrivener, owner of Zook’s Fabrics’s, surprise, younger women are wearing reds more often, especially around Christmas. He’s planning to increase his inventory of red fabric this year. (nothing extremely bright)
Another area of change in autumn is cooking and food. Heat radiating from a warm oven is divine as the temperatures dip. Why, I might even do a little baking. What items do you like to cook that you avoid during the warm summer months? Pumpkin pie comes to mind as well as meatloaf and stew. Do you have certain dishes you crave again?
I love writing stories that take place during autumn in Amish county, as I did in A Letter from Lancaster County. My chance to explore the aromas and sights of autumn while contemplating family dynamics and secrets. And what better location than Amish country?
Please leave a short comment on my BLOG to enter to win this lovely Amish-made apron sewn in Lancaster County, PA, and a set of blank note cards with photos of covered bridges, like the bridge I included in A Letter from Lancaster County. Plus the winner’s choice of a signed copy of A Letter from Lancaster County or 1 book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, it’s sequel, CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish.
Winner will be chosen at random and has three days to respond to my email in 1 week.
Autumn has always been my most anticipated season. Blazing colors, crunchy leaves, and brisk mornings are invigorating!
I love the apron, note cards and, of course, your books!
I can relate, Anne. Autumn is a season I always anticipate, as I’m sure many do no matter what part of North America they live in. Brisk mornings are invigorating. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Fall is my favorite time of year, especially for camping…..no bugs!
Bugs be gone, Gail! Except for the spiders. I’m so happy since I learned about peppermint oil (not the kind you cook with) and how much spiders avoid it. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
So very thankful that you write. Love your books. Fall is such a nice time of the year with all the colors.
I appreciate your compliment so much, Deborah. I guess we never outgrow our need for confirmation and encouragement. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I love reading your books. they are inspiring to me and I am sure to many more people. Keep up the good work.. Always looking forward to your new books.
I love your books. This apron is so cute. I’d love to wear it while cooking. 🙂 I am waiting for fall. I live in Louisiana so we don’t have very much change of seasons…it’s either hot or hotter.
Thank you very much for your kind appraisal of my books, Denise. I also think this apron is darling and always were aprons when in the kitchen. I have a tendency to lean against the counter or sink, and an apron is a welcome friend. I hope your heat is cooling down. I have been amazed when I looked at the national weather forecast. Good luck in this giveaway!
Kate
I never rake up the leaves, I just let them rot away on the ground.
During my school days we all wore school uniforms, wearing the same thing makes life much easier.
Mary, if I could get away with that I would. I leave the leaves around my bushes and in the yard, but this tree drops thousands of leaves onto the sidewalk and street, and then they blow over to my neighbors’ yards … I really am stuck removing them. I loved when my sons wore uniforms to school. For them, life was much easier. And probably still is. Women on the other hand are usually not so easily satisfied. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love the apron and the covered bridge, Ive always wanted to see in in person….someday!
I love Fall that would be a great time to visit a covered bridge
Great give away!!
I hope you do get to see a covered bridge, Melissa! I love them so much I included one in my book, A Letter from Lancaster County. And that book just happens to take place in fall. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Fall is my favorite! My husband and I will celebrate 42 years of marriage in just a few weeks.
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary, Melanie. In this world where commitments are often broken you have beat the odds, no doubt through perseverance. Because marriage isn’t easy all the time, no matter how it’s portrayed in movies and books. Thanks very much for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Afternoon Kate! That is a beautiful apron. Thank you for a chance to win such great prizes.
Autumn is a favorite time for me. I love the cooler temperatures and the changing colors of the trees and harvest time. My grandson…who just turned 13!…in August likes to rake our leaves and then jumps in them, bless him!
We have one covered bridge near town that I have only seen a few times. We live about 45 minutes (we live in MD) from Lancaster County, PA and try to visit in the spring and then again in the autumn if we are able.
I like to cook stews and soups, with cornbread when it turns cooler. Pumpkin bread with nuts, pumpkin pies are a favorite.
Blessings, Tina
How delightful to hear from you, Tina. I was born in Baltimore, but learned to love the changing leaves in CT, NY, and NJ. What a sweetheart your grandson is to rake the leaves. Maybe I should invite my grandkids over for a raking party. They would also be welcome to jump in them, of course. I’ve heard there are 29 bridges in Lancaster County, but don’t quote me on that. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I so enjoy autumn Love the cool air and the colorful leaves.
Thank you for offering this giveaway
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Diane. It sounds as though you enjoy the benefits of autumn as much as I do. Good luck!
Kate
I think I’ve driven over that bridge in Lancaster Co., PA! I think Fall is a pretty time especially in Lancaster Co. but summer is my favorite season. I just don’t like chilly weather! Thanks for the opportunity to win…you do have the best giveaways!
Autumns in Lancaster County are divine, but the weather can occasionally be unpredictable, Linda. Glad you enjoy the summers, you lucky thing. Your drive sound fantastic. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love fall. My husband is in the midst of his corn picking~ Also Have been to ZOoks in Lancaster. Love that fabric store
What fun that your husband is picking corn, Kathy. Zook’s is indeed fabulous. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love fall! I like putting on warmer clothes and drinking apple cider (guess that’s why I’m in MN!). I also like taking my kids to the apple orchard to get some fresh apples and pumpkins.
Glad you love fall as much as I do, Lisa. Ah, fresh apples and pumpkins. I can hear your kids laughing and having fun. Thanks for your lovely note, and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
This Giveaway is over. Thanks for visiting my Blog! The winner will be announced on Tuesday, 10-10-17.
Kate
I love our changing weather here in Kansas. The different seasons give us so many colors but I must admit Autum and Fall are my favorite. The many colors of oranges, browns and reds are so stunning when blended together. The leaves are plentiful and such back breaking work. My hubby takes care of the yard. Thank goodness he still can. I help when the leaves are overwhelming and we have neighbors surrounding us with more trees then I can count! Our yard seems to be the leaf gathering place! Now for clothing that get lots frustrating but being older I am always with a light jacket or sweater, especially for taking in restaurants. I hate to change my capris and sandals for winter attire. This makes me sad because I am a sandal wearer. Too bad I don’t live in a warmer winter region. Love, love the cover of your new book!!! I can’t wait for its debut!!!
Love the fall temperatures… and knowing the holidays will soon be coming…means more comfort foods on my table…lots of cheesy baked goodies!.. ham and taters…turkey… and pies of all flavors… and more visits from family and friends… having just moved to a new city… I am looking forward to getting to know my way around… plus showing off my new home! I love and welcome any opportunity for seeing those I love and miss during the year! Of course… cooler weather also means more time inside to read! Can’t wait to read new books by all my favorite authors!
Autumn is my favorite season. I love wearing the fall colors the best. I also look forward to the hot apple cider starting in October, as in Oklahoma, that is usually when it starts getting cool enough to drink anything hot. Thank you, Kate, for the chance. I dearly love reading your books.
Love the Fall season. Wish it would last longer than it does. Just came home from Berlin, Oh. and the leavers were starting to change. hanks for a chance to win your book.
I love fall because the temperature is cooler and the holidays are right around the corner!