Make the Most of Fall
We learned very early in out retirement to make the most of Fall. Retirement gives you the time to appreciate the seasons more and we have definitely done so even with winter. A fresh snowfall with treetops that glisten take on more of a beauty when you don’t have to go to work. It’s wonderful to just stay inside sometimes and enjoy the winter wonderland as it unfolds around you. Spring is incredibly beautiful and summer is a time for swimming, boating and outdoor barbecues. But, by far, our favorite is autumn as the leaves turn gold and the nights get cool. Apple cider and cider donuts are top of mind and there is something refreshing about a crisp fall day.
Make the most of Fall with your own search for the best apple cider donuts!
Many of our friends prefer the summer but it seems to be getting hotter each year, and a hot, humid day can drain your energy very quickly. We’re very lucky to live in the Hudson Valley where you can still get some relief when the sun drifts behind the mountains. You still need air conditioning to be comfortable at night but, if you’re near the water with a little breeze, it’s rather pleasant. Our son and his wife recently moved to Tennessee, and we visited them three or four times over the summer and, as beautiful as the state is, it’s not someplace I would even consider living. It’s way too hot. Temperatures above 90 all day and night for weeks at a time with 100+ not uncommon is not my idea of a pleasant climate. It drained the energy right out of you and reminded us that you have to make the most of Fall. They had to wait until October, but they’re finally getting some pleasant nights and the 80 degrees during the day is much better than the 100 that made every day a test of endurance.
Autumn has a lot going for it. We are still enjoying the foliage and went on a walk of about two miles and didn’t even work up a sweat. Sixty degrees with no wind reminded us why we like to make the most out of fall. The path we walked had been wall to wall people during the summer but today it was just the two of us enjoying the peace and quiet of a crisp autumn day. The Fall and all of its colors was definitely one of the reasons we decided to leave Long Island and move two hundred miles north to one of the prettiest places you can imagine. Little towns in the mountains and along the Hudson River that as charming as any place you see in the movies and autumn seems to bring out the best of everything. We have learned to make the most of Fall and have planned day trips to dozens of small towns to try new restaurants and soak up everything that Main Street, USA has to offer. Little cities and villages are what make this country such a joy to travel through and autumn is the best time to hit the road.
Do a little research on the internet and you’ll see dozens of surveys that name the best small towns in America. See if any of them are nearby and go take an afternoon ride. Check out your local newspaper to see what they suggest you should do on a weekend. Chances are good that there are a few activities that you haven’t tried. And, if all else fails, do your own search for the perfect apple cider donut of the best apple cider. And don’t overlook the hard cider either. It was more popular than beer in some areas during colonial times and it’s easy to see why. My wife always says that autumn gives her inspiration to cook, which is great news for me. She makes the best soups and chicken cutlets, and her pumpkin bread should be listed as a national treasure.
We have learned to make the most of fall by filling our days with local trips and new recipes. Just putting the summer heat and humidity behind you seems to give you a burst of energy. And when the days really start to get dark early, make the most of it by having a cup of tea or hot chocolate (or something stronger) by the fire. Retirement has helped me appreciate the seasons more than I ever did before and, when you think of it, the changing scenery and weather is one of the most enchanting things about life. Retirement gives you the chance to slow down and make the most of it. Watching the leaves fall while you’re sipping a glass of wine is not a bad way to spend an afternoon. A cup of coffee and a slice of pumpkin bread with some friends can make the troubles of the world disappear for a few hours and, sometimes, that’s all we need. So, make the most of Fall. Get out those sweaters and drink coffee by the fire with some friends. It’s time to Enjoy Retired Life!
Thanks for visiting. If you like what you see here, please tell your friends. If you haven’t done so already, be sure you take The Self Discovery Challenge for Retirement! It’s designed to help you make the most of this wonderful time of your life. You’re never too old to discover something new about yourself!
If you think it might be fun to start your own website (it is!) please look here.
Tired of joint pain caused by inflammation? There’s a company that has made wellness a reason for their existence. They have products that have helped me tremendously. I invite you to take a look here.
Do you love good mysteries? Check this place out now.
Please be aware that clicking on some of the suggestions made on this page may result in a commission being earned by the author.