The minute Labor Day is over, something happens.
Pumpkins appear. Sweaters come out. People start talking about crisp autumn mornings, colorful leaves, hot apple cider, and everything pumpkin spice. Meanwhile, I’m sitting outside with a glass of iced tea wondering why everyone is in such a hurry.
Summer isn’t over yet!
Technically, fall doesn’t even begin until later in September, and around Willow Lake, September can still give us some beautiful warm days. So while I love fall—and I do—I’m not ready to shove summer out the door before it’s packed its bags.
There are still things to enjoy.
Eat Outside While You Still Can
There is something about eating outside that makes even an ordinary meal feel different. Breakfast on the porch. Sandwiches for lunch. Something tossed on the grill for dinner. And yes, I’m aware you can grill in January. I’ve done it, but standing outside bundled in a coat while wondering why you thought hamburgers were worth losing feeling in your fingers isn’t quite the same experience.
September evenings are perfect for squeezing in a few more outdoor dinners before the temperatures start dropping.
Take the Long Walk
Mo strongly supports this suggestion. Actually, Mo supports any suggestion containing the word walk.
September gives us that wonderful combination of warm sunshine and evenings that are beginning to cool down. It’s a great time to take the longer route, explore somewhere new, or simply slow down and notice what’s around you.
Soon enough I’ll be crunching through fallen leaves with Mo. For now, I’m happy walking beneath the green ones.
Visit a Farm Stand
This is one of my favorite things about this time of year because September gives us a little bit of both seasons. Summer produce is still around while apples, squash and other fall favorites are beginning to appear.
It’s like Mother Nature can’t quite decide which season she’s in either. I’m fine with that. I’ll take tomatoes and apples.
Keep Enjoying the Garden
By September, my garden isn’t quite the show-off it was earlier in the summer. Some plants are looking tired. Others seem determined to keep producing until someone physically removes them from the ground. And there’s always at least one plant that apparently didn’t get the memo that the season is winding down.
So, I’m still picking, still checking, and still enjoying whatever the garden decides to give me. There will be plenty of time to clean everything up later.
Have One More Summer Treat
Ice cream. Watermelon. Corn on the cob. A big glass of lemonade or iced tea. Whatever tastes like summer to you, have it again. Actually, have it twice. There are no rules here.
And if your summer treat happens to involve ice cream, don’t invite Mo unless you’re prepared to share. He has perfected a stare that can make you feel guilty about eating something you purchased with your own money.
Sit Outside and Do Absolutely Nothing
This might be the most important suggestion on my list.
We spend so much time doing that sometimes we forget to simply enjoy where we are. Take your coffee—or in my case, tea—outside in the morning. Sit on the porch after dinner. Read a book. Watch the birds. Talk to someone. Or don’t talk at all. Simply enjoy it. Because one evening you’ll step outside and realize you need a sweater. Then you’ll notice the leaves changing. Before long, you’ll be reaching for a jacket and wondering how it got dark so early.
And I’ll be right there with you, enjoying every minute of fall.
I’ll have the pumpkins out. I’ll be making soup. I’ll probably have something apple baking in the oven.
But not yet.
Right now, there’s ice in my tea, tomatoes in my garden, and a big furry dog waiting for his evening walk.
Summer can stay a little longer.
Until next time… stay prepped & prepared.
💡 Pepper’s Prepper Tip
September’s warm days can fool you, but the evenings can cool down quickly. Toss a light jacket or sweatshirt in the car now. You’ll be glad it’s there the first time summer turns into fall while you’re still out enjoying the day.
