The older I get, the more I love fall. The Great Gatsby quote about life beginning anew in the fall strikes home, ya know? Summer has a glory all its own, but once the light changes, I’m ready for cozy: sweatshirts and chunky socks, blankets and hot drinks. By September, I’m really over the heat and sweat of summer, but here in Carolina that warmth can often linger into October … After a scorching July and August however, it seems that perhaps the weather has turned for keeps? September had a few hot days in the beginning, but gently cooled as the month went by. And the last week or so has felt almost chilly in the evenings!

You may remember, way back in April when we got our storage building, I mentioned the plan to convert the carport into an outdoor living space. Due to various factors, it ended up being a summer-long project, but we have finally achieved the goal. Poles painted, chairs ordered and assembled, and twinkle lights strung. I absolutely love the way everything came together, and plan to spend as much time out here as I can, soaking up the glories of fall.

The geraniums have gotten a second wind, and I hate to replace them with the pansies we just bought – but it’s time for fall flowers. We are going to experiment with overwintering them in the basement to replant next spring {multiple people have mentioned doing this with success, so we shall see}. Even if they don’t make it, we are definitely planning to get more next year! I love the Paris bistro feel of sitting at the table with the geraniums right there.

What’s your favorite thing about the transition to fall? Will you – like us – be spending as much time outside as possible, savoring the splendor of the autumnal season?