No one has to remind me when it’s November…there’s just a “feel” that seems to accompany turning the calendar page. While October puts on a show with gloriously colored leaves in every direction, November is a bit quieter. We slowly move from trees covered in fiery copper-red and burnt orange, to rust, and finally brown. While there are still a few brilliant golden sugar maple trees, all it will take is a blustery, rainy day and they’ll be scattered over the ground. The skies are gray, the rain trickles down, and it’s time to toss a log on the fire. Such is November…ready for a long winter’s nap. And to be honest, so am I!

I’m grateful to live where I can experience the change of seasons…I love puttering in the garden and hearing the “snap” of sheets on the clothesline, however; after a long and hot summer, autumn is a welcome relief. I’m glad for chilly mornings, cozy sweaters, bonfires, and soon enough, foods made from handed-down recipes.

This year, autumn has been absolutely pie-in-the-sky, as they say! And so my daughter and I decided to pack in as many little day trips as possible. We filled picnic baskets and went on hikes, wandered antique shops, and plucked up our courage for a 10-acre corn maze (and made it out, whew!) This week we planned a visit to the lake…there shouldn’t be any crowds and the forecast was spot-on, so why not?

After tossing a few things together, soon we were on our way. The drive to the beach was along winding roads through the countryside, over hilly farmland, past roadside stands, and busy combines harvesting corn. In a little under two hours we pulled onto a sandy parking spot alongside the beach…blue skies, a lighthouse in the distance, the sound of waves and seagulls. I can see why so many people have a fondness for being near the water…it brings a happy heart, indeed. There was no massive parking lot filled with cars, blaring music, or vendors selling their wares; it was simply a quiet space to breathe and take it all in.

We were at Nickel Plate Beach, which sits along Lake Erie’s shoreline. This was just the getaway we needed, and proof that it’s not necessary to jump on a plane to a sun-soaked destination. Truly, sometimes the best spots are the little-known ones, humbly tucked away, that only the locals enjoy.

We walked the sandy beach pointing out curious tracks,

and shadows,

and feathers.

We discovered a great little seafood spot to get dinner, spread out our blanket, and took in this simple pleasure. No boardwalk, no carnival games, nothing but the peaceful scenery.

Soon, we had a little friend who was interested in a snack!

After dinner, we took another walk and found this privately-owned lookout…sigh.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this getaway to the lake isn’t in my typical November plans – I usually start jotting down menus, thinking about stocking stuffers, and generally getting anxious about the upcoming holiday hustle & bustle. But you know what? That’s not the plan this year.

The plan is to enjoy the sweet & simple things…

We’re never too old to slip down a slide,

or look for shells near the water,

or pose for a silly snapshot!

And so, here’s my plan for November: before the coming of the holidays, I need to remember there are so many good things to stop and give thanks for.

Right now I’m sitting next to a plump pumpkin on the back steps watching the cats chase falling leaves. Our dog Bailey seems to be wondering what all the fuss is about, and soon wanders over to a grassy spot to stretch out. Glancing at my watch, it’s nearly time for pumpkin bread to come out of the oven.

These are the sweet & simple things.

And true to itself, November today is gray, rainy and somehow slower. And that’s okay, the changing of the seasons is good for the spirit. And you know, I don’t mind a bit – another sweet & simple pleasure was finding this vintage umbrella for a song at a barn sale. I’ve been so anxious to use it and today’s rain was the perfect time!

During these autumn days Sisters, let’s slow down. The world is full of wonder, and every day can be a day of Thanksgiving.

I’ll see you next month, with more “tails” from the farm!