That “Funny” Fall Feeling

I awoke to a perfect fall day with dappled sunlight through thinning leaves and a nippy breeze billowing the hammock strung between the boughs of the front yard trees. I answered the early-morning ringing of the phone with slight trepidation, as is usual when the phone rings late at night or early in the morning. What a nice surprise! -- the delighted and delightful voice of the Marine mom to whom we brought the furniture and other household donations. She spent several glorious minutes commenting on what a blessing our family has been to her family.

I was glowing as I answered emails, blogged -- which are two of my favorite activities – and spoke to my son, Scott, and my daughter-in-law, Buffy. Richard and I relaxed over breakfast -- as only retirees can do – discussing our plans for the day. Richard then went to Mamie’s to cut the spent cornstalks for making decorative shocks for the Autumn Gold Festival. While there, he cut okra, picked peas, and pulled up carrots. I began organizing the house in preparation for week-end guests. And, I finally found a family in need of a free washer. Richard made that delivery.

Like we needed any more fresh produce in our house, I had placed an order last week for the world’s finest, fattest, sweetest pecans -- (Schermer Pecans, for those who may want to know) in preparation for making Cajun spiced pecans. This year, in addition to making them for Christmas gifts, I may attempt to sell them at the Autumn Gold Festival. Since Jack and I will have a booth at the festival to sell his book, I figure “why not?” When my case of twenty-four pounds of pecans arrived by UPS, I could hardly wait for Richard to carry them to the kitchen.

I can lose myself in the kitchen and computer for days. Between cooking and writing, I could find myself out on the street for forgetting to pay the power bill, if I don’t discipline myself. And I can always find something better to do than cleaning house. I bribed myself to finish my filing before I could reward myself with shelling peas and other kitchen tasks, like roasting pecans.

We eased into the evening – me with white wine and Richard with faux wine. For dinner, we feasted on more of Richard’s sumptuous salads, Richard’s roasted root vegetables, and rotisserie chicken. We ended the day with a CSI fix, as usual.

I should have been basking in a glow of well-being. But when change is in the air, I become suspicious. My moods alternate between anxiety and anticipation. Our dog, Gypsy Woman, and our cat, Buster, also change their behaviors on fall days. Buster takes longer naps and Gypsy seems suspicious of everything that moves, patiently patrolling for what Richard calls “beasties and ghoulies” until Richard signals her that she’s off-duty after dark. Buster, oblivious to Gypsy’s jumpiness, spends even more time snuggled up with his favorite fluffy friend – Gypsy. Maybe Buster has the best idea – We should spend more time snuggling. Or should we become extra vigilant, like Gypsy – preparing our property for a long, cold winter?

I know that in the spring, we call the restlessness “spring fever”, but what do we call that “funny” feeling in the fall?