JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I’m in upstate New York with my sister, clearing out our dad’s house because he’s moving to a rather posh senior living facility. We’ve got boxes to take to Goodwill, clothing to pack, floors to vacuum and calls to make to the plumber, cleaning lady, Realtor, and that all-important institution: A Couple of Guys With A Truck. So let’s not dilly-dally, but instead check off our lists with a Fast Five for Fall
My favorite drink for fall is… Hard cider. I know there are people who think this is a winter or even Christmas drink, but they are wrong.
Must-have yard/porch/door fall decoration? I always get several of those flattened pumpkins and stack them in the big urns beside my front steps. This year, my must-get-rid-of decoration is the yard work/ landscaping/ carpentry project workshop the Guest Son set up on the porch. The man-cave look is getting old.
On the first really chilly fall morning, I… breathe deeply with pleasure. Then I groan, because I know it means I need to start stacking the wood in the woodshed.
Fallen leaves: ecological blessing or menace to civilization? Menace in the front (where the neighbors can see,) blessing in the back. It also helps that there are a lot fewer leaves behind the house. Last year I tried doing that thing where you don’t rake, instead you mow over the leaves creating a “natural mulch.” This project did not go well.
The absolutely best part of fall is… all the highly anticipated books coming out between September and December! Fall is the BIG season for publishing, and my TBR list is growing faster than the leaf pile. (A lot faster…)
JENN MCKINLAY: That’s quite the to do list, Julia. I am currently traveling with the hooligans in New England, helping our fam get ready for winter. So lot’s of cleaning gutters, stacking firewood, and raking leaves. But we also made time to visit the local apple orchard because of course we did!
My favorite drink for fall is...Harry and David’s Spiced Butter Rum Coffee. Hot. Always hot. Even when it’s 115 in the AZ desert my coffee is served hot.
Must-have yard/porch/door fall decoration? My autumn leaves wreath. I do go all out for Halloween with tons of lights and spooky stuff but it starts with the colorful autumn wreath.
On the first really chilly fall morning, I...burrow under my covers and sleep in -- because I can. Now that my people all drive themselves hither and yon, I can sleep until everyone is out of the house and peace reigns. It’s lovely.
Fallen leaves: ecological blessing or menace to civilization? I don’t have any trees that drop their leaves since I’m a desert girl nowadays. But when I’m visiting the northeast, I’m reminded that there is nothing as beautiful as New England in October.
The absolutely best part of fall is...the desert heat goes away. By the time October arrives, I am so over the heat. I can’t even tell you. I get giddy on the first week that the daily high drops back into the 80’s and I need a sweater.
RHYS BOWEN: favorite drink for fall is...absolutely nothing pumpkin spice! I do enjoy a hot chocolate on the first chilly evening.
Must-have yard/porch/door fall decoration?
This year it doesn’t even seem worth decorating as there will be no trick and treaters. I usually carve a pumpkin but I’m not into decorating like my daughter who has decor for every season.
On the first really chilly fall morning, I… Wish it was still summer!
Fallen leaves: ecological blessing or menace to civilization?
We don’t get them in California much and whatever falls from my trees the deer eat instantly.
The absolutely best part of fall is…
Confession time, I’m not a big fan of fall as it means winter is coming. Usually we drive to Arizona around this time but probably not this year.
But what I look forward to is seeing Arizona friends and family.
HALLIE EPHRON: My favorite drink for fall is… Hot chai tea. Unsweetened. I start to crave it the minute I need to put on a sweater.
Must-have yard/porch/door fall decoration? We used to prop up a scarecrow on the front steps. Made him by stuffing my husband’s clothing with leaves and painting a face on a stuffed pillow.
On the first really chilly fall morning, I… Turn on the heat! Then hunker down on the couch under a heavy blanket with a cup of hot coffee and the Boston Globe.
Fallen leaves: ecological blessing or menace to civilization? For heavens sake, what would we do without them?
The absolutely best part of fall is... Brisk walks. Sunsets. Sunrises late enough to enjoy.
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: My favorite drink for fall is… Oh, chai lattes. Sigh. I will never have one of those until I can go back to Starbucks. Sigh again. So I’ll just stick with red wine.
Must-have yard/porch/door fall decoration? Yeah, no, I’ve never done that...is that weird?
On the first really chilly fall morning, I...am so happy to get a big sweater!
Fallen leaves: ecological blessing or menace to civilization? Our house is surrounded by blazing colors--the maples are so beautiful! I remember when we were little, and my father used to burn them. It smelled so transportingly wonderful.(That’s a bygone era, right?) I love the leaves.
The absolutely best part of fall is...I don’t have to explain why I don’t love to go swimming. And sweaters, and boots, and big shawls.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Julia, I don't envy you all those chores. But I'll bet you're having fun with your sister!
My favorite drink for fall is… I drink hot tea and hot lattes all year, no matter the temp outside. But, like Julia, I love hard cider and never think of it until that first crisp day. And I start thinking a glass of red wine sounds good, which it does not in Texas summer!
Must-have yard/porch/door fall decoration? Pumpkins! Although so far this year I've only bought two. My favorite new thing for this year for the porch is an ornamental pepper plant in those gorgeous autumn colors. I love it!
On the first really chilly fall morning, I… put on a warm hoodie and take two very excited German shepherds for a long walk! The dogs love fall weather even more than I do!
Fallen leaves: ecological blessing or menace to civilization? I worry that we are doing damage to our little ecosystem by cleaning up the leaves. But we do, because...dog poop. When the leaf fall is heaviest, we have to flag the lovely deposits asap or we can't find them by the end of the day.
The absolutely best part of fall is… I love absolutely everything, but the very, very best part is NOT BEING HOT.
LUCY BURDETTE: My favorite drink for fall is… English breakfast tea with a big spoonful of honey...mango honey if I can get it
Must-have yard/porch/door fall decoration? We had some darling little pumpkin gourds volunteer in the compost heap. That’s it for me and decorations!
On the first really chilly fall morning, I...walk the puppy to get the paper, what else? Explaining to her along the way that this will be her job when she gets older.
Fallen leaves: ecological blessing or menace to civilization? Compost them and they are definitely a blessing!
The absolutely best part of fall is...Soups and stews and baked things, this weekend I’m going to try cinnamon scones.
JULIA: It’s your turn now, dear readers! Cut and paste the questions below and share your Fall fast Five in the comments!
My favorite drink for fall is...
Must-have yard/ porch/ door fall decoration?
On the first really chilly fall morning, I...
Fallen leaves: ecological blessing or menace to civilization?
The absolutely best part of fall is...
