Autumn Days

Leif at Grandma Mil's backdoor.

He went over there (she lives next door, so he just crosses the backyard) to get some more pretzel sticks. She had given him some the other day (or maybe it was earlier today) and when the little bag was empty, he took the bag back over for a refill.

Lately, he seems to be going over to visit her every day. I think it may be because she feeds him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, along with a glass of orange juice...and of course, pretzels. (Her sandwiches are legendary around here...as my husband loves to remind me when he dutifully eating some ragtag sandwich I threw together). Anyway, Leif spends a good deal of time visiting with her and I just love it (although I'm not sure if she does!) because I like that he has this special time with his Great-Grandmother. I think that is pretty neat, and not something every kid gets, y'know?

When he's not eating over at Grandma Mil's, he's busy being Grandmom's shadow. He is literally like a little ramora stuck to her side, and I can't seem to remove him. I asked him the other day, as I was tucking him into bed, if he loved his Grandmom. His face softened, his eyes got a special little light in them, and he had a little loving smile (the one that melts Mommas' hearts around the world when they see it on their baby) and he said quietly, "Yes." It was a wonderful little moment and I nearly cried (emotional basketcase that I am, of late) - especially when he told me he loved me and then peacefully fell asleep.

Ha! I can hear him now hollering on the other side of the house and my story above seems rather made up. But I promise, it happend!

I have a confession to make: I've been feeling rather "meh" about Fall this year.

Yes, she of the crunchy leaf, apple-butter makin', delirious love for all things Autumn just ain't feelin' it this year.

Instead, I'm pining away for all things Winter: snow, sleds (although the last time I went sledding involved a cafeteria tray down the backhill of the campus while I was in college!), mincemeat, Advent, Plum Pudding, snuggy fires in the fireplace, bare-limbed trees against a cool grey sky. Oh, and don't forget, steamy mugs of homemade Hot Cocoa. And, ooh, some of Caryn's Standing Rib Roast with Yorkshire Pudding.

Apple Butter, Schmapple Butter.

Maybe it's this odd weather this year.

I move back up north, all happy and prepared for a chilly Autumn and....
I was sweating yesterday because of the heat.

That, dear blog readers, just ain't right.

So, maybe when the mercury drops to better (i.e., lower) numbers, I will be more enthused about Autumn.

Until then, I'm a bit Scrooge-ish on the whole thing.

Humbug.