Fall!!!

It's officially fall in Baker. Actually, Mother Nature has taken a huge step forward; she has almost seemed to have forgotten fall and is racing head long into winter. But I'm a-okay with that.

I absolutely love this time of year, but never more so than when I'm home in Baker. Living in the Valley for 4 years taught me to appreciate Eastern Oregon weather. During my time in Forest Grove last weekend, it rained...and by "rained", I mean it POURED! I seriously wondered if there was going to be a flash flood. Here, we've had a some showers, but nothing too serious...definitely nothing that soaks you as soon as you step out of your car and chills you to the bone. (shudder) It's no wonder life seemed to take on a grey cast starting in September in the Valley...you rarely saw the sun for half of the year! I love that on this side of the state, it's rare that you don't see the sun and blue sky at least once every day. Even on the days that are stormy and snowing, you still have a glimpse of warmth.

I was driving to work tonight and passed a house that had a few red leaves that had fallen from the tree in its yard. It was absolutely beautiful and made me smile. I'm noticing the change in the season all over the place, from the city streets to the aspens changing colors in the mountains. And it made me realize that last year I didn't really have the chance to enjoy the Baker City fall with everything that was going on with Marla. This year, I'm remembering what fall felt like when I was growing up. The snap of cold that promises snow coming soon, but not quite yet. Laughing at the town folk who had to deal with their falling leaves because all we had out on Pine Creek were pine and fir trees. (Now we have a huge maple tree in our yard, it's karma I tell you!) Loving the first day that you say, "I know just what I need...hot chocolate!", because somehow hot chocolate has the ability to infuse you with the warm fuzzies. We were never really surprised if it was snowing on Halloween. There have even been times when it has snowed on my birthday, which I always loved.

I walked out of work this morning to see snow on the Elkhorns, which are the first things you seen when you walk out of the back door of the Sheriff's Office, and on the Eagle Caps across the valley. It made me giddy. Even better, the snow was still there when I got to work tonight. As I was driving to work, the weather forecast on the radio said to expect rain and snow showers tomorrow and Thursday. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!! I'm taking true enjoyment in this season, and am really looking forward to this winter. Last winter was full of pain and mourning...I want this one to be full of joy and love.

Oh, and my birthday is in 9 days...even more reason to be excited for the season!