Autumnal Friday Five!

From Singing Owl at RevGals:
Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest. Jeremiah 5:23b

The Autumnal Equinox has just come 'round again. I took a look back at our Friday Fives and noted that it always seems to make the Rev Gals and their Pals think of changes. There is something so nostalgic about this time of year, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. The nights grow cooler, crops are harvested, for some of us the leaves are beginning to change colors. The scent of smoke is in the air, pumpkins are in the stores (or on wagons, or in roadside stands for those of us in the country). I'm thinking of putting away my summer clothes and pulling out the sweaters. And I have a tub of Fall-themed items that my husband just lugged up from the basement. I'm looking for my scarecrow.
For this week, let's share some memories along with some hopes and expectations.

1. Share a Fall memory.
Goofing off with my gorgeous friend Erin in college. We cheered together, and most of the other cheerleaders were... well, way cooler than we were, and pretty cranky. So, the two of us were wonderfully silly and had a great time together during football Saturdays.
Wait! I'm so embarrassed-- today is my anniversary-- getting married is my fall memory!!!

2. Your favorite Fall clothes--(past or present)?
I've had a pair of brown cowboy boots since my freshman year of high school (that's about 15 years now, folks), and I love wearing them with jeans, and some version of a fuzzy cream sweater. (This combination once got my roommate and I several beers in a bar, plus dinner on the house!)

3. Share a campfire story, song, experience...etc.
Since I spent a lot of my growing-up years in southern CA, I had beach bonfires rather than campfires. My youth group used to do them pretty regularly, and there is nothing better than the smell of salt air and smoke.

4. What is your favorite thing about this time of year?
The sense of anticipation leftover from years of starting school at this time. Fall is when I feel like something is about to begin!

5. What changes are you anticipating in your life, your church, family...whatever...as the season changes and winter approaches?
Total upheaval is what we're anticipating this year-- and that would be a very good thing. I'll keep you posted.

Bonus: What food says "AUTUMN" at your house? Recipes always appreciated.
The Barefoot Contessa's Butternut Squash Soup, from her At Home cookbook! (The mac and cheese with smoked Gouda is also amazing.)