A Saturday in October

It’s a Saturday in October, and my husband and I sat in a bit of traffic. We were on our way to a local brewery to soak up the fall sun and have something delicious to drink.

We saw a farmstand we went to last fall and loved, so we decided to stop and take a break from the traffic. Inside baskets filled with fruits and vegetables lined the tables. I chose a red apple from one of the baskets. It was grown on the farm in back of the cozy store that smelled of fruit pies and baked breads. I also grabbed a bottle of apple cider. Freshly made apple cider has nothing on the apple juice boxes I’m used to drinking. I get them for my son’s lunch box, but I seem to like them more than he does.

They were all out of apple cider donuts, my husband’s favorite. The woman behind the counter told us a new batch of donuts would be ready in about 5-10 minutes. We were eager to get to the brewery so I suggested the apple fritter to my husband. It was covered in caramel glaze with pieces of real apples on top. That’s what I would have gotten if it wasn’t for my food allergies.

We sipped our cider in the car and traffic began to ease. We were making real progress.

The brewery’s parking lot was full, but we were lucky to find an open spot. We grabbed our cider and headed for the green lawn full of little girls chasing a soccer ball, a dad and his son having a football catch, babies crawling on the grass wondering what the silky threads that they were trying to grab in between their tiny fingers are, and dogs lying under their owners’ chair enjoying the shade.

I relaxed into a large Adirondack chair that was weirdly comfortable despite being made out of wood. I continued to sip my apple cider and take it all in.

The cool breeze was refreshing as I felt the strong fall sun on my skin. I wore jeans, sneakers (my orthopedic boot is finally off!), and a one shoulder top in a deep chocolate brown. It had been sitting in my closet waiting for the perfect occasion to be worn. The top made me feel like a little piece of summer was left behind. The fall sun was enough to keep me warm so I didn’t have to completely cover up.

The band arrived and started playing Dreams by Fleetwood Mac. I quietly sang along as my husband took a quick walk inside the brewery to get something to eat. While he waited in line, I watch as two teams try to perfect their cornhole strategy. They had good aim, but couldn’t seem to throw the bags at the right speed so they didn’t slide off the board.

My people watching was interrupted by a giant, salted pretzel my husband was holding. It was bigger than his head. We both laughed as he settled back into his chair. We talked, we laughed, we people watched some more.

Sunny, fall afternoons where we have nothing to do are the best, and are also extremely rare. 

Fall is the start of letting go. Letting go of summer’s adventures and knowing winter’s slower days are near.