Monday, September 22, 2008

The First Day of Fall!


The air is crisp, the sky is slate blue with a slight haze, the pumpkins are out, the welcome wreath with fake leaves and pheasant feathers is on the door, the garden is mulched, so it must be the first day of fall.

Goodbye to summer, but not quite yet. I’m not ready. My tomatoes are still flourishing, my flowers are blooming (not just the mums!), and I haven’t put my summer clothes away (I wore white today for the last time). The leaves are turning and there’s that smokiness in the air that reminds me that soon frost will paste the windows and I’ll need to rummage through the boxes in the basement for winter sweaters and coats. Oh no!

But before I say “hello winter,” I’m heading off to San Diego to spend five days with my family. My little brother is getting married. Yeah! It’s going to be a party (that’s what I keep telling my mom). It’s a long story, but you can pray!

When I return on October 7th on the “red eye,” I leave for New Jersey to speak at Merck Pharmaceuticals Global Network of Women, and that weekend a retreat at Wapiti, Maryland. As a speaker, October is my busiest time because it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month—the month of pink. And I will need to gear up for planes, trains and automobiles.

This will be one of our last falls in Pennsylvania, so I will treasure the speckled leaves that look like the back of a giraffe, the crisp mornings, and the changing of the seasons because in fifteen months (a little less now), we will return once again to my home—California—where I belong.

I feel like I’m going to break out and sing a John Denver song (and you don’t want that—do you?).

That’s what I like about fall—the first day anyway!



P.S. I will blog sporadically the month of October as time allows, but if not I'll see you in November!

12 comments:

Greg C said...

My son asked me the other day if we were going to decorate our booth in pink. I think we will since I will be working during the Race for the Cure this year.

I think it is time to head for the mountains here to feel a little frost on the pumpkin. Nice post today.

Connie Pombo said...

Race for the Cure--Yeah! Thank you, thank you, thank you! All us breast cancer survivors say, "THANK YOU!" What a great idea...a pink booth! You go, Greg!

Frost on the pumpkin? I like that! Actually fall is my favorite time of year but, of course, I say that about all the seasons (smile!).

Lonely said...

Connie,

Have a great time in California with your family.

You feel the same way about California that I do about Vermont, though I was born and raised in Pa., Vemont will always be my home state, if you think it is beautiful here in the Autumn, you and Mark should go visit Vermont in October.

I have missed you not posting for almost a week, it was sure good to hear from you again. I always enjoy your quips and relaxed comments.

I hope Mark is doing well now that he is back to work full time, my prayers are with both of you!

God Bless,

Terry

Connie Pombo said...

Thanks so much Terry! The days keep slipping past me and then I realize I haven't blogged in a week. Yikes!

Two years ago, we traveled up to Burlington, VT for the Breast Cancer Conference and the foliage was absolutely gorgeous. I can understand your feelings for Vermont...amazingly gorgeous! The colors took my breath away. I kept saying, Stop the car; I need to take a picture." Poor Mark he couldn't stop every time, so I hung my head out the window and clicked away.

Mark is doing well; each day gets a little bit easier!

Tracy Ruckman said...

I first read this the day you posted it, and just kept thinking - pumpkins? Already? But suddenly, our temps have started changing, and last night was our first cool one of the season - it's 48 degrees! That's almost a cold front in these parts.

You've been, and will continue to be, in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this busy season. May the Lord use you in abundant measure to touch lives and change hearts.

You're such a blessing.

Susan Skitt said...

Busy month for you my dear :)

I love this time of year, the air is so crisp and clear and everywhere you look there is color! I love your description of fall here in PA. Etch it into your memory well because that is one thing for sure you'll miss about the east coast!

I'll be praying for you with your busy schedule. Make sure you take time to B-R-E-A-T-H-E...

Luv ya,
Your U-Turn sis,
Susan

Connie Pombo said...

Tracy,

Pumpkins are abounding here...I stepped on one last night when I took my walk/run in the dark (shh...don't tell!). I love nighttime runs (I use a flash light), but Mark worries that I'll trip and fall (he has cause for concern because I've done it before). So it's actually more of a hobble than a jog!

Thanks for your prayers...keep them coming my way!

Connie Pombo said...

Hey Susan,

I've missed you!

I always loved this time of year when my boys were in school, except I didn't like getting up at 6:00 AM to see them off! Ugh!

I know I will miss many of the things on the East Coast, especially the changing of the seasons. California has two seasons: rainy and sunny!

HUGS!

Flea said...

Is the photo you posted one you took this week? I can't WAIT to see fall this year! And snow! I can't wait for snow! You're driving through Tulsa on your way to CA, right? Right? :)

Connie Pombo said...

I wish I did take that picture, but I'll post one of the fall leaves at Mt. Gretna (I had to scan it in and I was working on my laptop when I posted). You know how it goes...laptop to PC. And then I usually pick up the rock "mouse" and wonder why nothing works?!?! I'm dangerous.

The last time we went through the states (20 years ago), we didn't take the southern route, but maybe this time we will...visit my bloggy friends along the way. How fun will that be.

HUGS!

Tracy Ruckman said...

Well, if you come through Alabama, please e-mail me!!

I saw pumpkins this week - at the grocery store! :-)

Connie Pombo said...

I think that settles it; we'll take the southern route!

Yes, pumpkins do count (even if they're in the grocery store!).

HUGS!