LITTLE ROCK — There's just so much to love about fall. Just about the time it feels as though the summer heat will last forever, a flirt of cooler weather dances through the air to remind us that real change is not far behind. Here comes fall and I am ready!

I am more than happy to close - I’d say “slam” here, but that might sound rude - the door on the hot, dry summertime and help pull back the curtain for the next season’s grand entrance. Although it will be a while before the official changing of the seasons according to the calendar, it is obvious that autumn is on its way. What a nice reward for enduring summer!

There are all kinds of neat things that come with this time of year. Of course, for the sports minded it ushers in football season as well as one hunting season after another, but there are many other simple pleasures to look forward to. For instance, turning off the air conditioner and sliding open the windows is an option I appreciate. Something about feeling the cool outside air rush inside as the curtains blow in the breeze has a homey, nostalgic feel.

Ideally, we will be granted days, maybe even weeks in which our homes will feel just right without the need for running air conditions or heaters, improving the comfort we feel when utility bills arrive, as well.

And, as the cooler temperature returns, so does the enjoyment of spending time outdoors. Whether it’s drinking coffee on the front porch on a crisp fall morning, pulling on a soft sweatshirt and sitting out in the evening, taking a walk on a winding trail or just driving though the Ozarks once the trees get their autumn dress, being outside again without constantly searching for shade feels great.

And speaking of fall colors, maybe this is a throwback to the ‘70s era but I still like the burnt oranges, harvest gold, reds and browns that show up everywhere this time of year. Although the colorful leaf show put on by nature is the best, while waiting, I like to browse the fall décor sections of department stores as a prelude.

It puts me in the mood to buy pumpkins, wander through corn mazes and bring down the boxes of fall decorations from the attic.

And thinking ahead to what I consider the grand finale of the season, we will once again be hosting our large and still growing annual family Thanksgiving gathering this fall. This has become a real tradition, complete with a hay ride stacked with kids of all ages. It is one of my favorite events of the whole year.

I understand that die-hard summer lovers think of fall as simply the season that transitions into the winter months with shorter daylight hours and freezing cold temperatures, but let’s not dwell on that for now. Better to focus on the wonderful season that is in the air right now.

That seems pretty easy to me because there’s just so much to love about fall.

Annette Rowe is a freelance writer and a speech language pathologist at Siloam Springs High School.

She may be reached by email at awalkinthepark50 @ yahoo.com.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 09/08/2010