With the arrival of October, I acknowledge that a mind shift is taking place. When the early morning temperature hovers around freezing, the need to turn the heat on for the first time is an indicator that fall has arrived. Not unexpectantly, winter is not far behind.
The first of the mundane tasks is to dismantle the shower curtain and replace it with a winter version. Summer bedspreads, curtains, even dishes are tucked away and winter colors and fabrics come out.
The trip around the lawn on the John Deere has a feeling of being the last for the year as the green grass will soon turn winter brown (if snow doesn’t cover it first). The clothesline finds its hibernation spot. The décor in the little guest house moves into autumn colors. Pictures of fall leaves replace flower laden summer cottages. The shelf Ferrari Barbie loses her spot to Bewitched Barbie. Even the Boyd’s bears don sweaters and cozy muffs.
River Run Inn was the site of a fundraiser for the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas at the End of the Road fireworks display. Gobbler’s Knob provided the musical entertainment.
All around the yard, fall work is progressing as beds are put to bed, hoses are coiled for their long winter’s nap, and the last of the pinecones and needles are piled ready for disposal.
Sandy Butte begins to block out the sun’s rays earlier in the day. Some places butted up at its base are already in the dark by midafternoon. We know that since the Sunshine Act remains stalled, the time change come Nov. 1 will bring darkness even earlier. It will seem like a long haul until the winter solstice arrives when minutes of light are again added to each day.
The traditions of fall are already upon us with scarecrows in Twisp, pumpkins on doorsteps, and trees sporting their array of vibrant colors. Folks who are out and about greet each other with words acknowledging the gorgeous fall weather. Of course, over the mountain pass, Larch Madness has already begun — cars lining both sides of the highway for miles.
Unfortunately, one of the dangers of fall in our valley is the increased risk of hitting a deer in the early morning and evening dusky hours. Such was the case in our household when a deer appeared and collided with my husband’s truck on his way to Kiwanis. Thus ensues the insurance rabbit hole.
However, there are many positive mental health benefits with the arrival of fall. It can be a time for slowing down from the hectic summer pace and rejuvenation with crisp fall air and vivid colors. With smoke and heat in the rear-view mirror, the outdoors is a pleasant place to be for walks, hikes, bike and horse rides.
Fall can provide incentive to shift towards coziness — a time to think about having people over, lighting a pumpkin spice candle, reading that gigantic book that’s been on the nightstand forever, and — a favorite — preparing a crockpot soup.
The fading days of fall are still perfect for some outdoor gatherings. Saturday (Oct. 3), River Run Inn hosted a fund-raising gathering for Winthrop’s iconic Christmas at the End of the Road fireworks display. Gobblers Knob, a local favorite, provided Americana songs — banjo included. Lost River Winery offered wine for purchase with a portion of the sales going to the fireworks fund.
Another fall favorite is the upcoming Winter Sale (Oct. 10) at the Senior Center Thrift Store. The sale is jam packed with warm winter clothing and accoutrements at bargain basement prices. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday.
A correction of the spelling of Kristin Botzet’s name in my column about the bear safety workshop. Apologies for the error.
