The Season is Calling

In other parts of the country, fall might be the time to retreat indoors to curl up under a blanket in front of the fire with a good book or a show to binge. But here in Southern California, fall can feel like an invitation to step outside again.

That's one of the nice things about living here. The changing seasons don't compel us to retreat from the world. They give us a reason to rejoin it.

After months of heat, there's finally a chance to go on a day hike without rattlers, work in the garden without working up a sweat, tackle an outdoor project without melting, or spend an afternoon doing something else you enjoy simply because the weather makes it possible.

This time of year reminds me of a particular in-home estimate I completed many years ago. As the tour of the homeowner's home was coming to a close, we came to her patio and backyard, where I discovered her outdoor art studio. Even better, this art space was active! The paint was wet, the easel angled just so, and the brushes left precariously nearby ready to be put to work. Clearly, our appointment had interrupted her time at the easel. What was she painting? The long afternoon shadows of autumn. No doubt she had been looking forward to the changing season to capture the distinctive sight on canvas. 

What is fall inviting me to enjoy? It may be hard to believe, but I am really looking forward to fixing up my rain gutters. There is something so satisfying in enjoying the rain knowing your rain gutters are in good order.

While I'm out there, I plan to clean up the garden and yard, which I had neglected during the extreme summer heat. I'm eager to enjoy the crisp air with a rake in hand as I put the place back together. My furry roommates will no doubt enjoy traipsing through my leaf piles as they keep me company in the backyard.

While it may sound like I just have a list of chores to attend to, caring for my house and yard on a beautiful, cool, and sunny day is one way I enjoy my home. We spend a lot of time thinking about what needs to be done around the house. It's nice when the weather reminds us that home is also a place to enjoy.

So, before the winter rains arrive and the schedule fills up again or the days get much shorter, perhaps this is the time to enjoy that neglected corner of the garden, return to a hobby, or finally take care of the project that's been waiting for cooler weather.