Today dawned bright and crisply cool. The low temperature hovered most of the morning and as I walked my three mile route I noticed the fallen seed pods and crunchy leaves dotting the grass. Summer is insisting on sticking around for a bit longer, an unwelcome guest who doesn't know when she's overstayed our hospitality. Though we'll reach the 90's again, I feel fall around the corner, waiting to settle in to the guest house and redecorate what summer left behind.

And as autumn nears, I am reminded how much I love this time of year, especially October, my favorite month. I long for the biting morning cold and comfort the crunchy colored leaves bring. Yes, the daylight shortens. But it's worth it. Fall is worth it. Even the stress and constant preparedness and long days of teaching are worth welcoming fall.