A Fred's News Autumn Season

As the Fall season approaches,  leaves in the northern climates begin to turn their vibrant reds, yellow and oranges, I again begin to reminisce about all the good things that the Autumn season brings.  Here in the South, our Fall season means hopefully less humidity, somewhat shorter days and the return of old friends from the North.  As late fall approaches we anticipate the citrus season arriving with an abundance of oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits.  People down South again begin planting their vegetable gardens and the blooms that grace the northern homes during the summer, now spruce up the southern climates.  Bill is eagerly planning his Fall flower garden.  Although I must admit, he did a fantastic job keeping everything alive during this past Summer, even with the horrendously hot humid temperatures.  He said, "it was a tough battle, but emerged victorious!"  As he tended the flowers of Fred's News in Connecticut, this time of year, became a chore and a battle to keep them looking as vibrant as they did during the Summer months.  Down here in Florida, it was a battle for the flowers in our yard to survive the heat, but they did.  Now, he will again plant the northern beauties,  hoping we will have a pleasantly cool winter and no frost.

What we miss most about Fall in New England, is apple picking season.  Years ago when the boys were much smaller, we would head out every Fall and pick apples.  It was a great time, as they climbed trees,(although that was suppose to be prohibited)to reach the biggest and best apple on the tree.  In later years, Bill, myself, Mrs. G, and twin grand daughters Jordan and Taylor, would head to Buell's Orchards to pick bags of apples.  The girls were so much fun to watch, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  "Billie" as they fondly called him, carried the apples and sometimes them!  Of course no apple picking excursion would be complete without picking out the perfect pumpkins to decorate.  Gourds, Indian corn and anything else that made the Fall season special were high on our list.   Spending the time with family and special friends is what made the trips so memorable. 

Although we always picked more apples than we as a family would consume, the rest were made into fresh apple pies and fresh cooked apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Once cooked, this delicious apple topping covered the freshly made cheese filled crepes, we served at Fred's News on Saturday and Sunday mornings during the Fall.  There is something very special and comforting about the aroma produced when slow cooking  apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar and butter!

During the Fall season, not only did we cook special meals, the gourds, pumpkins, dried flowers and old clothes stuffed with leaves and straw became Autumn friends that welcomed everyone to Fred's News.  The bears were adorned with cool weather hats and scarves, and picture taking was at it's best.

For me, the Fall season has always been my favorite time of the year.  It has a sense of purpose and is a season of abundance.  Mother Nature releases all of her magic to prove just how beautiful our world can be and asks all to make ready for the long Winter's sleep.  If we watch, look and listen to her, it will be there again in all its' glory for everyone to enjoy.