October is finally here, and with it, all the delights of autumn! October has always been my favorite month, not just because my birthday falls in October, (although that may be part of it), but because October is an amazing month here in the northeastern part of the U.S., a feast for every one of the senses.

Take the sense of taste, for instance. October brings fall flavors to the forefront, starting with apples of every variety this site has a chart describing some of the many varieties of apples and how they are best used, and also recipes and other interesting information about apples. Women's Place has its own cookbook, as well, which includes several recipes that feature apples. But apples aren't the only taste sensation of autumn. Autumn also brings pears, pumpkins and the reappearance of cranberries in local grocery stores. And because the weather cools off, October means it's time to begin cooking soups and stews again. Mmmm, I can almost smell that chicken noodle soup simmering on the stove now!

Along with the scintillating scent of soup, fall brings other wonderful smells. The air itself has a fresh, crisp scent to it, flavored by wood smoke, as folks fire up their woodstoves and fireplaces. And then there is the earthy smell of the fallen leaves underfoot, reminding us of how all-too-short-lived this amazing season is.

The crunch of those fallen leaves also provides a backdrop to the many sounds of autumn. In October, the sound of children enjoying Indian Summer carries through the crisp, clear air like at no other time of the year. And of course there are the giggles and shouts of "Trick or treat!" at the end of the month. Check out this month's article on Halloween if you are preparing your own little ones for trick or treating! Another fall sound is the swishing of the many different textures that reappear in fall fashions. The soft whisper of suede, the gentle hum of corduroy, and the crinkle of leather return this fall, and the women on our Fashion and Beauty forum would love to hear your opinion on the new fall fashions.

And ooh, aren't those textures so wonderful to run your hand across? Nothing beats the softness of suede, and snuggling into a warm sweater or sweatshirt on a cool day is one of the pleasures of life! The relief from summer's heat is a blessing and one of the reasons why I love October so much. But even that brief return to warm days when Indian Summer pays its last visit is a welcome change, because the nights are still cool and crisp.

Here in the Northeastern U.S., where I live, the cooler nights of autumn bring an array of colors. The leaves begin to change into their most festive wear in October, and by the middle of the month, the landscape is reminiscent of the patchwork quilt on Grandma's bed. There are reds and golds and oranges, and a color that can only be called "flame," as that is what it most resembles. If you've ever wondered why the leaves change color, or if you happen to have a budding scientist in your household like I do, you will find the answer at Science Made Simple. Now if only a scientist could find a way to make October last all year long!

The only trouble with October is how short it seems! With its 31 days, it's one of the longer months on the calendar, but it seems that the sights and sounds and smells of October never last long enough. And before long, this most glorious time of the year will be gone, just like the leaves from the trees, and it will be time to begin preparations for Thanksgiving. Have I ever told you why I am so thankful for November?


~Dini HJ was born many Octobers ago, and now lives in PA with her husband and four home schooled kids.