In an earlier post , I mentioned my mini-homesickness breakdown. It wasn’t quite a breakdown, but it did involve some tears. Really it just comes down to missing Michigan and my family. Knowing that it is fall back home only makes it worse.

Fall is my absolute favorite season in Michigan. I absolutely love the crisp air and cooler temperatures. It seems they always come right when everyone is tired of the summer heat. Some of best things about fall that I was dreadfully blue about not having around are:

1. All of the lovely fall colored leaves, which makes for amazing scenery everywhere you go.

2. Wearing a hooded sweatshirt outside for the perfect temperature combination… no coats necessary, yet.

3. Walks in the woods with a crunch, crunch, crunch of leaves underfoot.

4. Hot apple cider.

5. The bright, white football lights glowing in the black night sky.

6. Choosing the perfect pumpkin.

7. Answering the door to find children dressed as black cats, goblins, princesses and pirates.

8. The reward of jumping in a big pile of leaves after working hard to rake them.

9. Cooking Thanksgiving dinner with Mom.

10. Visiting the apple orchard and treating ourselves to warm cinnamon donuts.

11. Frank’s excitement at going hunting with Jason.

12. Eating stews with fluffy dumplings, apple pie and spicy chilis.

13. Hearing the whistles from the local high school’s varisty football game (and cheering for them on my big, red box - go bobcats!)

14. Celebrating Frank’s and my birthday with our family and friends.

15. The soft glow of hand carved pumpkins.

No worries, though. Frank was there for me with hugs and warm tea. Besides, next Fall we’ll be back in the States. Miami is not quite Michigan, as far as the fall experience goes, but it’s one step closer.