Fall 2011

So, every year, I get all, "Texas just doesn't have fall like this and I LOVE New Jersey in the fall..." blah blah blah... so this year, I am going to shut my pie hole and just SHOW you using pictures I have taken over the past few years of fall in New Jersey.

Enjoy!

The Neighborhood Bullies

They only come out at certain times. They travel in packs and sit outside your house and taunt you. Fed up, you run them off and as soon as you close the blinds, they come right back. They hold you prisoner in your home. When you step out, they threaten to encircle you and take you down. You fend them off with a big stick, but they can easily overwhelm you.

Most days, you carry on, ignoring them and not letting them get to you, but there are the days they break your spirit. You see them outside your door, taunting you with their very presence, and you feel defeated. You want to shut the door and the blinds and settle in on the couch with a hot cup of tea (or a toddy) and let them win.

But the reality is- no one will do the hard work but you. You must be the one to make them go away. It's time to put on your big girl pants, grab the big stick and go out and confront them head-on.

IT'S TIME TO RAKE THE LEAVES!!

(Noah-15 months)

(spring leaf cleanup-Spring 2011)

Fall

I grew up on the gulf coast where we didn't have seasons. It was hot, hotter and football weather (which is jacket weather in southeast Texas, but still short-sleeved weather further north). I once saw a "travel Texas" ad in Texas Monthly that said, "Sure we have winter in Texas! Last year, it was on a Tuesday." I think that about sums it up.

So, when we landed in New Jersey ten years ago, I was plunged right into winter without getting to experience fall first. I hate cold weather and I hate snow. I was miserable. But the following autumn, I was amazed. And right then and there, I fell in love with New Jersey. Don't get me wrong, when winter rolls around, I still have a love/hate relationship with the area, but I can honestly say that three out of the four seasons, I love it here!

Fall is hands down, my favorite! Such beautiful colors!

[Arney's Mount Friends Meeting House (Quakers) near Juliustown, NJ -date on bldg is 1775]

[Kirby's Mill- near Medford, NJ]

**this is being linked to Wordful Wednesday hosted by Dumb Mom at parenting BY dummies.