Not much evidence of autumn in our neck of the woods yet, except kids are back in school and our oak tree’s leaves are turning a drab brown. Eventually, thousands will drift to the ground almost nonstop. One year, I raked up 23 barrels of leaves over the course of a few weeks to drag to the curb. Ach, my poor back! After that, I decided to hire a man with a blower.
Lancaster County trees changing into glorious hues.
Many wonderful events in my life have taken place in fall. For instance, my two sons were born in autumn. My husband and I were married in late October, around the beginning of the marriage season for Amish couples. After the harvest. In Lancaster County, PA, marriages usually take place on a Tuesday or Thursday—when the corn has been harvested and the celery grown (a tradition in Lancaster County only). The day before includes much food preparation and cleaning in the bride’s parents’ home, shop, or barn. Many in the community chip in to help. Often 300+ guests are included. Widowers may marry any time of year.
Autumn is when I miss the East Coast and the Amish of Lancaster County the most. I could watch draft horses or mules harvesting the corn in Lancaster County for hours—deep into the night if a storm such as Hurricane Sandy or an early snowfall is on its way. Both times this happened, my husband cut our trip short and were fortunate to change our tickets and catch one of the last flights out of the Philly Airport.
In Lancaster County, Amish women are helping the men harvest.
When I think about autumn, I consider my clothes. Suddenly, wearing brown and gold seems more appropriate than pastels. I can’t wait to switch out my summer clothes, but it’s not really cold enough to put everything away. In fact, I wore shorts a couple days ago while walking. This time of year, it seems I have mountains of clothing everywhere until the weather makes up its mind. Slowly, I sort through them and put them in storage. Even my hats. Well, of course my hats. Amish women are not burdened with such choices, other than wearing warmer coats and bonnets atop their kaaps. Would you resent having to wear the same style clothing every day or find it a relief?
Solid color fabric bolts for Amish women abound at Zook’s Fabrics. Plus a wall of black material.
Would you resent having to wear the same style all year round or find it a relief? However, much to Herb Scrivener, owner of Zook’s Fabrics’s, surprise, younger women are wearing reds more often, especially around Christmas. He’s planning to increase his inventory of red fabric this year. (nothing extremely bright)
Another area of change in autumn is cooking and food. Heat radiating from a warm oven is divine as the temperatures dip. Why, I might even do a little baking. What items do you like to cook that you avoid during the warm summer months? Pumpkin pie comes to mind as well as meatloaf and stew. Do you have certain dishes you crave again?
I love writing stories that take place during autumn in Amish county, as I did in A Letter from Lancaster County. My chance to explore the aromas and sights of autumn while contemplating family dynamics and secrets. And what better location than Amish country?
Enter to win this Amish-made apron, a set of blank note cards, and a copy of one of my books.
Please leave a short comment on my BLOG to enter to win this lovely Amish-made apron sewn in Lancaster County, PA, and a set of blank note cards with photos of covered bridges, like the bridge I included in A Letter from Lancaster County. Plus the winner’s choice of a signed copy of A Letter from Lancaster County or 1 book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, it’s sequel, CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish.
Winner will be chosen at random and has three days to respond to my email in 1 week.
I love fall. Love watching the leaves change colors and the cooler weather. Not ready to give up my summer clothes. Not sure I could dress amish. Love that I wouldn’t have to think about what to wear, but wearing dresses all year, not sure I could do it.
I’m glad you can’t see my mishmash of clothes, Tracy. Everything from shorts to fleece vests. When I go out walking I never know what to wear as I warm up quickly under the sun, even when it’s cool outside. Wearing dresses all year would indeed be a challenge. Thanks for your letter and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love the colors of Autumn the cool fresh crisp air love to hike on the trails and just enjoy . Love your books .Please enter my name in the give away
Sounds as if you are a hiker and I can’t think of a better time of year, Brenda. Thank you for your compliment. I’m delighted to hear you love my books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My bday is Oct 6 and I would be delighted to receive these gifts especially the book as I am currently battling breast cancer again after almost 25 years. Medicine surely has changed!
Happy soon-to-be birthday, Claudia. I am still praying for you ever since you posted on my Facebook wall. Treatment has changed for the better. May you be pronounced cancer free soon. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
When Autumn is in the air, we must go to Amish Country here in Ohio. (Holmes County). Since we’re just about 1 1/2 hrs away, it is a delightful trip. We love to go to Hillcrest Orchards and stock up on one or two of the many varieties of apples they sell. You’ll also find some of their fresh pressed cider, nuts & honey in our cart. Some candy for my 97 yr old mother-in-law finds its way in there too! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Autumn!
A delightful way to spend autumn, Linda. How delightful that your mother-in-law enjoys the candy. I will have to tell my 91-year-young mother-in-law about her. My husband’s mother would probably want to join us on the trip. Thanks for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love Autumns colors, just don’t get to see them much where I live
I don’t know where you live, Kim, but we have fewer autumn colors here too because we have so many evergreen trees. I was born on the East Coast and lived there several times. Still can’t get enough of those fall colors. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have read the Lancaster Trilogy.. Love all 3 books.. I would love to win A Letter From Lancaster County… and the apron.. Thank you..
Thanks for reading the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, Janice. I would love you to read A Letter from Lancaster County too. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love your blog. If I win please give the book you the lady on Facebook who thinks you have to be pals of the author to win. LOL. Hugs
If you win, I will do just that, Judy, Seriously, I ask friends, family, and the folks in my writing group, not to enter these contests. And they don’t. Good luck to you!
Kate
It would just be AWESOME to win!! it reminds me of my Grandmother. Thank you!
I think it would be awesome if you one too, Mary. I often miss my grandma, one of my favorite people ever. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I lived around the Amish and I admire their way of living, I love reading books about the Amish to
What fun to have lived around the Amish, Rebecca. I also admire their way of living, although I realize I wouldn’t be working on my laptop right now … Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I just love the colors of fall and your photos are beautiful. Thank you for the chance to win.
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, Amy. I get so much enjoyment out of looking through them myself. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love Autumn. That is why I named my daughter Autumn. The colors that Autumn brings us are pretty just like my Autumn. Love the change of colors of the trees.
A delightful name for your daughter, Robin. Now you have two autumns to love. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Fall is such a wonderful season. Cooler weather, changing of the leaves. I’d love to win this contest, Thanks for the opportunity.
Yes, it is a wonderful season, Kathy. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love Autumn…the colors…the cool crisp air….the pumpkins and apples and the recipes that they bring….leaves falling scarecrows.. mountains and trees alive in beautiful colors….living in South Fla…though born in No NJ…seasons were not something we saw…so I would LOVE to decorate for Fall and Christmas early and keep it up “long”…. Now we are in the Georgia mountains and enjoying each day God gives us. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this great prize package….Hope I do…but Good Luck to All………
Wonderful that you enjoy each day God gives, Kris. I imagine that living in the Georgia mountains gives you a glorious display of fall. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is my favorite season, not so hot that you can’t stand it and not to cold that all you want to do is stay in and read…wait that’s all I want to do any way!!! . Thanks for an awesome giveaway.
Thank you for entering the giveaway, Fay. Autumn does seem to be the perfect blend. Fun to hear how much you enjoy reading, any season of the year. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love the changing temps and beautiful colors of autumn! I love getting my crockpot down for soups and chili!I also love the chance to pull out my favorite sweaters and boots!
Thanks so much for writing and describing what you love about fall, Sheila. That Julie sure sounds good … as do the soups. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My favorite time of year is autumn. I just love everything about it, and I love visiting Lancaster County too. Was there the past two weekends and will head up again on Friday. Just something about being up there. Thanks for the chance to win.
How delightful that you are able to visit Lancaster County so often, Cindy. Autumn is my favorite season there too. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m a Fall baby and it’s my favorite season I think…it just feels good.
I do tend to bake and oven roasted way more in the fall and winter than I do in the summer…but meatloaf is a year round dish for us. We love it!!
Yummy, meatloaf any time of year sounds good, Kim. Love it cold in sandwiches too, but hate to heat up the kitchen during the summer. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Fall is my favorite season. With all the beautiful colors.
I love the gorgeous colors too, Paula! No more wearing white cotton for a while. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is my favorite time of year. However I live in Southern Arizona so I don’t get to enjoy the leaves changing as much as I live them. This is a beautiful giveaway.
I imagine you are enjoying cooler weather, Kristina. I’m glad you enjoy this giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I love, love, love autumn also! Both of my son’s were born during the autumn months also! Thanks for a chance to win 🙂
I’m glad autumn brings you so much pleasure, Michelle. Not to mention your sons. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love fall. Love the colors this time of year. Thanks for the chance to win.
I can’t imagine living without these glorious colors, Dorie. Each day, more trees are changing. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Ilove your cover and the colorer of fall love to win your new book,thank for letting me entry
A Letter from Lancaster County takes place in fall, Ruth. So much fun to write about the changing leaves and all that autumn brings. Thanks for entering the giveaway.
Kate
I love anything Amish or Mennonite. I read 80% Amish books I would love ❤ to you’re book and the precious apron❗
I would love you to get a chance to read A Letter from Lancaster County, Janet. And perhaps when that darling apron. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Fall starts the pumpkin and maple flavored seasons, which I enjoy now more than I did as a child. I look forward to each day. Lately, my fall has been 80+, which is about 10-15 degrees above normal. However, the reason I like this season is it allows me to slow down and read more. 🙂
Autumn does allow us to slow down, Annette. That’s something I hadn’t thought about. 80+ is still mighty warm, but sounds lovely. We may get up to 70° today, but it will be our last warm day of the year. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love all of the colors and scents of Fall. I like the cooler weather. But favorite part of Fall/Autumn is everything pumpkin!!
You have inspired me to make pumpkin muffins, Elaine. Pumpkin has got to be a healthy food, as long as it doesn’t contain too much sugar. And so pretty to see out as decorations. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a wonderful time of year! I love fall – the colors, the cooler air, the excitement of the coming holidays – it’s awesome! As for the clothes, I don’t know if I would want the same clothes all year long or not. In a way, it sure would make things easier, but I love variety in clothes and most other things. Cooking included with that. This time of year I love making homemade soups and stews. That beautiful apron would probably save my clothes. 🙂 And I would love a copy of “A Letter from Lancaster County. It sounds great.
I would love you to win a signed copy of A Letter from Lancaster County too, Pat. If I don’t wear an apron in the kitchen, I’m in trouble and have more laundry to contend with. And I love the fabric. Your homemade soups and stews sound tantalizing and nourishing. Fall is indeed a glorious time of the year. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Fall is the Season for Harvest, family and fun. The leaves change colors, the air turns crisp. Time to jump in pile of leaves. Time for baking, craving pumpkins. Getting ready for the up coming Holidays. Sipping Hot coca by the fire place reading a good Amish Book.
You have described fall beautifully, Kristina. I feel uplifted and want to enjoy every day of it. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love love love everything about Autumn. It’s so refreshing.
Sounds as though you enjoy autumn as much as I do, Caren. I also find it refreshing. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love autumn colors.I think I cook more soup,cakes and pies in the colder months.I don’t think it would bother me to wear the same color clothing as long as it is a bright color.Thanks for sharing your post and Happy Fall!!
I’ve been told young Amish women do change the colors of their dresses as the year progresses, Jackie. Women over 50 tend to wear the same color all year round. We fancy folk have the option of adding a splash of color with a scarf or sweater, and I would miss that. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Favorite time of the year, love fall, but love your books more.
You are very kind, Lynn. If you love my books as much as you love fall, I am truly humbled. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love Autumn will over the leaves changing colors.
Crisp morning air. Pumpkins and gourds in the
fields. Apple trees full with various delicious tastes.
Fantastic apron. Live near Lancaster so enjoy this
series. Thanks.
How delightful that you live near Lancaster, Carol. You have described autumn beautifully. I’m delighted to hear you enjoy this series. I wrote A Letter from Lancaster County partly because I enjoy autumn so much. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn isn’t showing up much where I live yet but I can hardly wait. Few things are more beautiful than watching the sun rise over a lake with the trees around it. I am now a city gal but I will always remember the days when I could see them. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Autumn is taking it’s time where I live too, Christine. Also in the city. Fortunately, many have planted trees, their colors just now taking on the glorious red and gold of fall. Our old oak tree does not provide a colorful delight, although it certainly does produce a lot of crisp leaves. Thanks for writing your lovely comment and entering a giveaway!
Kate
Where most people come alive in the Spring, I am happiest in the Fall. I got married on October 22 and went against tradition by carrying a bouquet of Fall colored flowers. My husband and I tried to go to a Bed and Breakfast for our anniversaries. If we couldn’t afford it, we would just ride up to Lancaster and enjoy the Autumn atmosphere. When he passed, even though it was June, I ordered Fall colored flowers for the funeral. I have it in my pre-arrangements that I want Fall colored flowers, too! I always loved the Fall, but my husband and I created many joyous memories at this time of year!
Thank you for writing such a heartfelt and touching letter, Kate. I’m sorry to hear you lost your husband, but love that you ordered fall colored flowers for the funeral. No doubt about the fact that you love autumn. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Was outside raking leaves today. A beautiful sunshiny fall day. I live in Michigan and enjoy all four seasons
How lovely that you live in an area with four seasons, Mary Beth. I am blessed with four seasons too, however we didn’t get a single snowflake last winter. But at least we can see the snow-covered mountains in the distance. Thank you for doing the giveaway!
Kate
I love the chill in the air,the fall colors, and sitting on the porch reading a Amish book.Thank you for some of my evening enjoyment❣
You make me want a porch more than ever, Lisa. I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed reading Amish books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thanks so much for doing this give away! We love old cover bridges too. If I were to win one of your , I’d want ya to surprise me!! Loved reading your blog..& yes the weather is not sure yet what to do…but ahh the colors are showing up here and there congratulations to whoever wins!!
I am delighted you enjoyed reading my blog, Brenda. I’m hoping our blue skies will stick around for a while, but in fall we never know. As long as the trees change, I’ll be happy. And they do need the water. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Glad fall is here. Beautiful apron I think it’s wonderful.
I am delighted you like the apron, Theresa. I am often tempted to keep my giveaway prizes … but that would defeat the whole purpose. And, I enjoy giving presents. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love the fall air, leaves falling and the smell and taste of autumn.
I love that you wrote “taste of autumn”, Susan. Autumn does seem to have a different taste and it’s refreshing. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My favorite season. I LOVE to bake and so would love to wear this apron when i do. Godspeed
I would love to have a friend right next door who loves to bake! And has a propensity to bake too much. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I love soup in the Fall and Winter. Summer is too hot to make it. The leaves are still green around her. Can’t wait to see them change colors!
Thank you for the chance to win the giveaway!
Most of our leaves are also taking their sweet time in changing, Judy. But I’m super aware when I go outside to notice a flash of red or orange. Makes life so much more fun. Soup sounds so good that I think I will have some today. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love fall!
Good luck in the giveaway, Lisa!
Kate
I would love to win these awesome items. I love reading your books, and always waiting for the new ones to come out. I like taking them with me when I go for weekend getaways with my niece and her children, as it brings me a sence of peace and tranquility.
Thank you for taking me on your fun weekend getaways, Gail! I’m delighted you like my books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love Autumn! To me it’s a time to slow our gears down and to relax some after such a busy summer. The daylight leaves earlier in the day meaning more inside time with family again since summer time seems to send us all in different directions with activities and interests. I also love the fall colors and am excited to experience them more fully having moved to the Ozark Mountains this year. However, with all the dry weather and everything trying to turn brown, I don’t know how much of the bright colors we will see this year. Fall makes me think of big pots of soup, egg noodles or chili. Although we have them from time to time all year, they just seem to taste better to a body once the cool weather sets in. I’m fortunate enough to have a husband that loves to bake just as much as I do. It’s during the fall and winter months that we enjoy knocking the cool out of the house by trying out new recipes or making some of our tried and true favorites. Friends seem to love this time of year too because there is only so much that two people can consume so the bounty is shared with them as well. I warms ones heart to put a smile on some elderly folks face when a dish brings back memories of what they use to fix when they were able.
Thank you for the chance to win an amazing giveaway! Praying you have a bounty harvest if not of the field then of the spirit and in happy times.
Thanks for your delightful note, Kay. We’ve had very dry weather too, which is unusual for this area. No doubt the rains will come back in full force and our shrubs and trees will sigh with relief. Your husband loves to bake as much as you do? What a fabulous duo. Makes me hungry just to think about those delicious, dishes not to mention the bread. Thank you for your prayers; I gladly accept them and send them back your way. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love fall. The colors are starting to change.
Our trees are just beginning to change too, Cecilia. Makes walking a delight as I admire the foliage. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love fall it my favorite season I love changing leaves; and apple cider; caramel apples; pumpkin pie and a good cup of tea! And a good book to read! and spending time with family! Thank you for giving a chance to enter this contest!
Everything about fall seems to be good, Tammi. Time to turn off the news and admire our beautiful leaves, enjoy delicious food, and spend time with family. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love everything about Fall. Love the cooler weather & all the leaves changing colors.
I can’t think of anything I don’t love about fall either, Juanita. My poor pruner is getting quite a workout today. And the pots on our upper deck need watering. Unusually dry and sunny weather. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love Fall with all the colors and smells. I will be in Lancaster next week with my mom and dad who are here in Virginia visiting from California. Thanks for this chance.
I hope you have a delightful trip with your parents, Tina. I can’t think of a better place to go in the fall. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Fall & Spring are my favorites…..not too hot & not too cold 🙂 Thank you Kate for the opportunity to win this beautiful apron, note cards (I love covered bridges) & A Letter from Lancaster County!
Blessings,
Lorraine
I also love the changing of the seasons, Lorraine. For me, there’s an excitement in the air, which is not too hot or too cold. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am so ready for all the sweet treats fall has to offer. I love anything with apples or pumpkin (or both)! Hoping to go apple picking with my husband this weekend to prepare for baking apple bread. Thank you so much for the giveaway opportunity – good luck everyone!
I’m not sure I’ve ever had apple bread, Rebecca. Sounds delicious. I love baked apples in the fall. And pumpkin anything. Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
The Vine Maples are turning colors and other maples are red or orange but the oaks are still quite dark green. The rains have arrived to help put out the many fires in our state, so the fields are starting to green up. Won’t be long before the dry grass won’t show until next summer. The garden still has a few tomatoes ripening and some corn still hanging on. The vineyards are busy harvesting the grapes to make the Pinot noir that the area is famous for producing,
The air is crisp and clean, washed free of the smoke from the fires in the Gorge. Blessing to All.
Your vine maples sound beautiful, Jan. I’m glad your area received much-needed rain to help put out the fires. Breathing in that smoky air is terrible and it must be quite a relief. We have a grape vine but it’s the worst harvest we’ve ever had in 30 years. The grapes are Chardonnay but I love eating them … normally. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate