Jennifer Long
Columnist
Cooler mornings, football games, mums at the store—Fall is sneaking in early this year, and I’m here for it. Read more in this week’s column!
There’s something unmistakable about the first cool breeze of late August. Even before the calendar declares it, Fall makes its presence known. The days grow a little shorter, the air feels a little crisper, and suddenly routines begin to shift.
At my house, that change means the “Fab Four”—my four loyal pups—are enjoying longer walks and more time lounging on the back patio. They seem to sense the change as much as we do, happily taking in the fresh air that comes with cooler evenings.
Autumn also brings familiar comforts that never fail to delight. Starbucks has unveiled its Fall menu, shelves are lined with candles in warm seasonal scents, and yes—Gilmore Girls has already found its way back onto the TV. These small rituals, as ordinary as they may be, carry with them the cozy charm of the season.
Signs of Fall are everywhere. School is back in session, calendars are filling with football games and community events, and garden centers are bursting with the vibrant colors of mums. Each marker serves as a reminder that a new season is upon us—a season that invites both energy and reflection.
What I love most about Fall is not just the crisp mornings or the turning leaves, but the sense of renewal it brings. Much like Spring, Autumn offers us a fresh start, wrapped in the comfort of familiar traditions. It is a time to embrace both the bustle of new schedules and the slower pace of evenings spent enjoying the simple things.
Even if the calendar hasn’t caught up yet, Fall is here—and I, for one, am ready to welcome it.
