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.
What a fantastic giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity!
Our anniversary was the 2nd — I absolutely love fall!
Since I’m a Georgia girl — and it was in the 80s (!) for our big day — we chose a cooler climate with lots of fall color.
LOVED going to Stowe, Vermont!
Happy anniversary, Susan! You sound like me: love the fall. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the smell of apple pies, apple crisp, and anything pumpkin. I also love the smell of crisp, fall leaves. A few years ago I started making leaf roses every autumn from the brightly colored leaves – they make nice center pieces. I would love to win this wonderful prize and thank you for the opportunity.
Your centerpieces sound beautiful, Cris-Annette. I wish I could see them. Thank you for your uplifting comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is my favorite season. I love baking apple crisp. It is also one of the busiest times of the year for my family and friends who make their livings on farms.
Yummy, Denise, apple crisp sounds divine. Yes, a very busy time of year on a farm. Sounds like your family lives on one. Much better than city life, but that would be another long blog post. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is a good season (but I like spring better!) all the pumpkin recipes start making an appearance and the beautiful color changes too. And this year it was a relief that the grandkids went back to school in the fall! It was a busy, hectic summer. Thank you for the opportunity to win such a lovely apron, book, and the cards.
I love the changing of seasons and also enjoy spring, Anne. After a hectic summer, fall is a delight, especially if your grandkids are back in school. Sounds as if you were looking after them quite a bit. Thank you for taking the time to write and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I LOVE Autumn!! Its my favorite season. The brisk air, windows open, the smell and feeling of the upcoming holidays is in the air. And lets not forget the beautiful vibrant colors.
1) No i dont think id mind the same colors everyday. Less stress than worrying constantly about what to wear.
2) Fall means pumpkin everything!! Also great stews, soups and best of all GUMBO!! Living in cajun country most of my life gumbo, fricassee and etouffee!! Hunting season means fresh deer and elk meat for my freezer!!
Many reasons for you to love autumn, Debra! I pretty much wear the same thing every day as I’m home writing or out walking, but I do enjoy switching to browns and fall colors, to echo the gorgeous leaves. Yummy, your menu sounds delicious! Those are foods that are not readily available around here except when my girlfriend from Georgia cooks. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love Autumn! The days are cooler, nights are cooler! Apples are ripe, leaves are beautiful! All about Autumn reminds me of how amazingly beautiful God created this time of year! The colors are just amazing! From the different color apples to the color of the leaves!
I’m enjoying these cooler nights too, Sandy. You sound a little ahead of us in the changing leaves department, but each day I notice a new tree has become more vibrant. God did create an amazing season. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Great giveaway! Fall is my favorite time of year!
I’m glad fall is your favorite time of year, Donna. Hope you have a most enjoyable one. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love the Fall, my husband and I also married I’m October, and we named our daughter Autumn. I love the colors, and a making peach & apple pies, and apple cake. I always look forward to making chili and soup also. Enjoyed reading your blog.
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed reading my blog, Melissa. I enjoyed reading about the peach and apple pies. Peach is my absolute favorite, but our season is short here. We make everything from scratch and have not had chili for ages, although we eat soup often … Well, ever since autumn made its first appearance. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love Autumn. The colors and music of high school bands , the fall food. My favorite time of year.
Yes, you are right about the school music bands, Donita. I hear them practicing in the distance and always enjoy it. I can’t think of anything I don’t love about autumn. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is so special!! The colors, the scents, the food! Thanx for the giveaway.
Special is a good description, Jennifer. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is such a beautiful time of year. Only God could put on such an incredible display of color. We would love the apron and the book. We love your books.
God’s gift is a glorious one, Nora. I’d love you to win the book and apron too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love all things about the Amish & Lancaster.Loved your blog too. Thanks
I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog post, Rose. I also love the Amish and Lancaster County. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn for me the past 7 years has been my most favorite because we have been visiting the grand kids in PA, the oldest was born in 2010. So every Oct, we load the motor home and head east…we enjoy the colors, the pumpkins whoopie pies and corn stalks in the fields…..A new apron would bring a smile to my face.
What a terrific destination, Linda. nothing could be better than visiting grandkids in PA. I’m glad you like that apron. I’d love to see a smile on your face so I wish you good luck in the giveaway.
Kate
Autumn is my favorite time of the year. That is after it gets a little cooler. We have still been having lots of hot weather here in MS.
It would be easier not having to keep up with the fashion and fads, but I do like pretty clothes.
Thanksgiving week I start baking pecan pies and french coconut pies because that’s what everyone always asks for. I cook them up until March of the next year then I’m done with having the oven on for so long.
I have been watching the national weather reports and am amazed by how warm it is in some areas of the country. Wow! Hey, if you like pretty clothes, you like them. And why not? I love coconut but have never had a French coconut pie. Must look up that recipe. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn equals lots of baking!! I love my homemade treats and so does my family.
I would find the same style of clothes refreshing, no more debating what to wear everyday, lol!
Lovely post, really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for the giveaway chance!
Thank you, Trixi, I’m glad you enjoyed reading my post. I’ll bet your family enjoys your homemade treats. I don’t own that many clothes, but spend way too much time debating what to wear when I go out. Most days when I’m at home writing, it’s sweatpants and a T-shirt. Not much to debate about there, except color … Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn I like cause
Change of Season & Summer is Over & the Holidays are just around the corner.
Sometimes it seems as though fall flies by on his way to the holidays, Melissa. I’m going to try to enjoy every day of it this year. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love reading about the Amish,would love to win
I would love you to read one of my books, Martha. If cost is a concern, perhaps request them from your library. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love fall, love to set on the front porch and cuddle up with my throw a cup of hot tea and a good book.
There I go wishing we had a large front porch again, Nancy. Well, after living in this house for over 30 years we still don’t have one. I love being outside and often bring my laptop out with me. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love Autumn!!! My Mother’s birthday us October 1st. I also, love wearing fall colors and making pumpkin pies!!! They are my favorite!!
I have to imagine pumpkin pies are good for us, Dianna. Pumpkin must be nutritious and it certainly is delicious. After working on this, I must wherefore fall colors today. Thanks for leaving a fun comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
The leaves are starting to fall but last week we hit record highs of 90 plus with heat index feeling like close to 100! My Sons Schools and other Districts ended up having.2 half days cause of the heat! What I like about Autumn is bringing our Sons to the Pumpkin Patch, leaves changing, Thanksgiving and Halloween. Our youngest already put Halloween Decorations up! And Watching our Sons Play Football August through October! 6 day’s a week with 2 games one on Wednesday. The other one on Saturdays! I can go without the cold temps though ha ha!
Wow, close to 100° would be brutal for school kids not to mention their poor teachers. I keep looking at the national weather report and am amazed by how hot it still is in parts of the country. I’ll bet those football games are fun. I always say I enjoy sports when I know a player on the field. TV sports not so much. Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I am starting to bake now since it is bit cooler. Love the fall colors. Good luck to all. Due to making A/C run more I rarely use oven during that time. Thanks for the chance to win this
Somehow our furnace got turned up to 70° last night and both my husband and I baked, Patti. Not sure what happened, but we both prefer the cooler nights. I need to start making more too … as soon as I get caught up with my writing. Lol. Good luck in the giveaway and thank you for entering.
Kate
Autumn is not my favorite season although I did get married in October with the leaves all beautifully changing. I enjoy watching the Amish in the fields no matter the season. I find it relaxing. I also like the fall mud sales. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the give away Kate.
Now I’m curious what your favorite season is, Susan. Or perhaps you enjoy all of them, which would make life pleasant year-round. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn has always been my favorite time of year! I love smelling the fresh air of Autumn married with the smoky scent of bonfires and Autumn leaves. The sights of all the bright bouquets of trees arrayed in their glorious colors of reds, greens, yellows, and oranges, with touches of brown, noting that the Winter Season will soon be here. The pumpkins in the pumpkin patches kissed with the morning dew gives my heart a thrill of all the remembrances of Thanksgiving pasts! The beauty of Autumn, wrapped in memories, brings me great joy!
Anita, you are an extremely good writer. You brought my senses to life. Thanks for writing your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is my favorite season, I love all the colors the most, and less humidity, and insects to contend with. Right now our days are warm, but the nights are cool. I would miss my blue jeans too much if I had to give those up! I love the smell of apples this time of year, but it would wonderful to ride in a buggy in the evening with some cocoa and Amish cookies.
I forgot about the lack of bugs and the humidity, Ann. Don’t miss them at all. Maybe our neighbor’s yellow-jacket nest which is feet away from our yard will go dormant. I tried everything to rid myself of them, but without result. My neighbor’s pruner would not get near them. I love the idea of riding in an Amish buggy with cookies, but I’m not sure the hot chocolate would work out unless you had a Starbucks lidded cup and a straw. Still, sounds delightful. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love the changing of colors here in New York.However,they seem to be at a stand still as of Late,with the weather being in the 90’s last week. But we can smell the change coming.
Wow, still in the 90s, Karen? I remember that smell and adore the aroma of impending autumn. Although I was born in Baltimore, I also lived in NJ and CT and spent much time in NYC, plus driving all through those states. After my parents moved to the Pacific Northwest, I visited often for the summer, either to Scarsdale, NY, to see my aunt and uncle or to CT to see my grandma on her gentlemen’s farm. She was a landscape architect and had no farm animals other than her dog. Thanks for writing and bringing me down memory lane. Good luck in the giveaway.
Kate
This is a really nice give away thank you.
Glad you like it, Ronda. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Nice gift, a book
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Janice. I hope you get a chance to read A Letter from Lancaster County!
Kate
Hi Kate,I too love autumn.Like you said it brings lots of changes I love to do.I,always want to be dressed for fall, but I don’t enjoy changing my wardrobe. I would just like to say I would love to win your giveaway basket. I love you books and I also enjoyed reading about your life. I love anything , Amish! Th and, have a blessed rest of this year!
Thanks so much for your encouraging comments, Linda. I’m not thrilled about changing my wardrobe either, but don’t want to see my summer clothes in the winter. Today we are having a fabulous autumn day, sunny and dry. Hope your year is blessed. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn seems like a calming time of year. The weather cools off, colors change and the garden is done! I love the fresh veggies and esp sharing with family and neighbors, but I am glad to see it “go to bed.” It has daily demands. I too have piles of clothing, here in Michigan we have gone from 80’s daytime to 40’s at night some nights. Today was raining and humid, but the temps are dropping. I love those “comfort foods,” soups stews,and casseroles. Summer time is salads and fajitas, etc.
Babs, I haven’t thought of that fact that this is a calming time of year. Well, after the harvest. I adore fresh veggies and wish I were your neighbor so I could take advantage of your generosity. Sounds as though your weather is still in the roller coaster mode. Sorry about the rain and humidity. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is my favorite time of the year. For one thing, it’s the perfect weather for all my favorite soup recipes.
Autumn is indeed the perfect time for soups, Tammy. Even my husband loves them, which was not true when I met him. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love fall, but our weather has been behaving more winter like than fall which is a bummer. I like all things fall but not the dreary weather we have had. What a beautiful apron you have to give away. It is a lovely red. It’d look perfect in my kitchen! 🙂 The bridge notecards are lovely also. 🙂 And a book of yours also would be excellent! 😀
I’m sorry to hear you are having dreary weather, Sabrina. That is what we usually have, but not this year, thankfully. Those are my favorite notecards, so I decided they would be a perfect addition to the apron. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
This is my first fall back in Pennsylvania after living in Florida for a few years. As I drive around the hills, I see evidence of God’s artwork gradually unfolding with all of the marvelous colors of Autumn. Mother Earth is changing her clothing before she goes to sleep for the Winter. It truly is a miracle and one that leaves me in awe.
I love the way you described the glorious transformation, Jan. Thanks for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I LOVE the apron, note cards and ANY of your books!!! Bib style aprons are my favorite. I am always wiping my hands on it. Fall is a beautiful time of year. Warm days, cool evenings, perfect time of year.
Thank you for your beautiful writings. God Bless you dear.
Thanks for writing, Mary. Without my bib apron I’d be lost. Particularly when cooking with olive oil, which is so hard to get out. God bless you and good luck In the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is my favorite time of year. The colors, the crisp air, pumpkin spice smell, and the celebration of holidays to come.
You’ve summed autumn up very nicely, Linda. Well done. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books, Kate! Would love to win this adorable apron plus the other goodies!This is my time of year! Cool enough to be outside in the autumn weather. GA is just to hot in summer!
This is my time of year also, Martha. During the summer I have to get out the door early in order to take a walk. Watching the national weather forecast I’ve seen just how hot GA was last summer. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is such a great season. Thinking of apple cider, pumpkin anything,apple crisp, soups and stews. What a beautiful apron giveaway. Always glad to read your novels.
I am delighted you like my novels, Beverly. I would also be delighted if I had an apple crisp or a pot of stew in the oven … Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Love Fall. We are in Berlin,Oh. and seeing some color changes here. Wish it was in full color. It would be so beautiful with all the trees they have here. Thanks for a chance to win this contest.
How wonderful to be in Berlin, OH, this time of year. A friend who is on a trip right now told me she was going to the East Coast to see the leaves change, but I warned her that they change color when they are good and ready. Does anyone really know? Maybe the Farmer’s Almanac. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love Fall. I also think that apron is gorgeous!
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Angie!
Kate
I love taking pictures of covered bridges. One of our local ones was sadly set on fire recently. How sad to destroy history. Thank you for the chance. Blessings
Oh, that is just terrible to intentionally burn an historic covered bridge, Lucy. It does not make me proud to be part of the human race. But then, many things don’t. On the brighter side, we have a glorious autumn ahead. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love the colors of autumn, although I hate my summer winding down. I enjoy sitting on my front porch reading a great book. But lovely autum days also give this enjoyment for me. Our anniversary (now 48 years) is in October, as well as my birthday! It’s just a refreshing time of year with cooler temps but very “October blue” skies! Would love to win! Thanks, enjoy your books so much.
I’m delighted you enjoy my books, Linda, and that October is such a wonderful month for you. 48 years of marriage is a great accomplishment in these days were many take commitments lightly. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Hi, Fall is a wonderful time of the year. Foliage is gorgeous as is the weather! The painlevel is livable with lower humidity, usually a dryer time between summer and the nasty winter weather lol. I have loved cover bridges since i was a child and have gotten worse as an adult. I love your books so please keep writing!! God Bless
I appreciate your encouraging words, Carol. I’m glad to hear this time of year alleviates some of your pain and pray your doctors find a way to eradicate it. That might take a miracle, but He is capable miracles. Thanks so much for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I, too, love to see covered bridges whether in person or in pictures. Love your books. Would really like to win this neat prize package. All the best to you, Kate.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Kathy. I doubt there is a single covered bridge in the area I live and am willing two cross the country to see them, among other things. My best to you. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
What beautiful autumn pictures you have posted. Enjoyed seeing them so much! We have blue skies, sunshine & lovely fall colors now & I’m so glad! The mums are blooming & the trees are quickly changing into their fall colors. Would love to win your prize package. Thanks for the opportunity!
It sounds like you’re ahead of us, Janet, although leaves are beginning to change, such a thrilling sight. I’m glad you enjoyed my photos. I don’t know what I’d do without my camera, although I am very respectful of taking pictures of the Amish. One day, a young man out in a field waved at me, so I had to wait until he turned his horses around and I could take a picture of him from the back. I black out their faces if I happen to capture one. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn/Fall is my favorite time of year as well. I enjoy the smells, watching the leaves change colors and most of all the the beauty of it all. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because it’s a holiday that brings family together around the table, not a day of gift receiving. A day where we share what we are thankful for. The different aromas of a meal being prepared, the turkey, the pies and what ever else may be cooking. Love around the table, being with family that you havn’t seen throughout the year.
Nancy, you have done such a lovely job of describing why Thanksgiving is the best holiday. I admit, I’m thrilled when one of my cousins or sister-in-law does the preparation. We entertain our family Christmas Eve dinner. No presence that evening either, just lovely fellowship and time together. Thanks for leaving your enjoyable comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. I love wearing the autumn colors, baking, soups and stews that I do not enjoy in the summer. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin nut bread and other delicious recipes with pumpkin.
Beautiful covered bridge fabric for your giveaway apron. A winner will be blessed.
Sounds as if your home is a tasty place and fall, Marilyn. Yummy! Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am looking forward to reading A Letter from Lancaster County. Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Emma. I hope you get a chance to read A Letter from Lancaster County soon. Maybe as the winner of this contest? If not, possibly requested at your library or break down, as I usually do, and buy it. Good luck!
Kate
I love the food we eat in Autumn and the change in wardrobe. Meals are easier to cook and I feel like I can slow down and just relax more.
Autumn does seem to be a more relaxing time of the year, Roxanne, before the roller coaster ride of Christmas. Plus, a time most of us can get out and enjoy the beauties of nature. I might even where brown to church, and find a scarf with fall colors. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a cute apron. I love covered bridges. A nice prize package.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Ruthann. Good luck!
Kate
Speaking of Covered Bridges, I’ve been to the World’s Longest Covered Bridge, in Heartland, New Brunswick, Canada.
Now, that is a Covered Bridge!
What fun, Janet. I had never heard of that covered bridge and will have to investigate. Thanks for telling me about it and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I grew up in Pennsylvania and loved covered bridges. Combine those with fall colors and the ride was so special.
Nancy, if you grew up in Pennsylvania and love covered bridges, you must feel a tug to go “home” at this time of year. This is a time of year I am drawn to the East Coast. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate