As soon as the weather begins to cool down and the Carolinas get a break from the summer heat, I’m ready to decorate our house for the fall. I enjoy this time of year, not only because the autumn ushers in a welcome relief from the late summer scorch, but because the cooler temperatures invigorate me to spend more time outside. October is a great month to enjoy outdoor living spaces.
In mid-September, I spent a weekend bundling cornhusks, arranging pumpkins, planting mums, and putting up fall decorations. I like transforming my house to welcome the new season. This fall we will have very few visitors who will appreciate the time it took to make our home welcoming. However, I still believe it’s nice to decorate our house. I think it helps uplift my family’s benevolent spirit each time they walk through the door, gather in the front on rocking chairs or relax on the back porch.
Another highly anticipated activity is the first fire of the season in our outdoor fireplace. We are fortunate enough to have a beautiful fireplace on our back porch. On cool weekend mornings and crisp evenings, my family likes to gather around the fire. We enjoy coffee together in the mornings, cocktails in the evenings and our young adult children still like to make smores together over the glowing coals. The time we spend together in our outdoor spaces helps strengthen our family bond. It’s this simple time together that fortifies our resolve to make it through this difficult year. Typically, this time of year is full of activities. This year is much different. I view this time as another one of life’s little moments to enjoy. I am thankful for this unexpected opportunity to spend quality time together!
