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I always smile when people ask why I moved from Florida (where it's always sunny and warm) back to the Northeast. Their remark is always, "Are you crazy? Why on earth would you ever leave Florida and move back here?!?" I smile and say to them, "Because I missed the change of seasons, especially Autumn."

There are many reasons why I love living in the northeast part of the States, but at this time of the year, it's all about my giddy-childlike love affair with the energy and colors that emanate from Autumn.

The other day while taking a late afternoon walk, I was literally, verbally squealing with delight as I strolled through my favorite part of the city, taking in the beauty of this season. I felt so appreciative of my physical senses, particularly my ability to see all the color around me.

But Autumn also touches me in a deeply profound way because this is the time of year when there seems to be a great wave of stirring in my soul. Autumn is when I feel the most reflective; the most aware; and the most creative.

And although I am a person who humbly knows how blessed I am, Autumn causes me to feel even more grateful. My heart swells with gratitude.

Today I would like to share with you the walk I took last week. All of these photographs were taken on that same day, over a period of several hours.

Please enjoy a celebration of my favorite season in all its GLORIOUS color.

I LOVE YOU, AUTUMN!










While walking past a clothing boutique, I spotted this adorable dog sprawled out in the doorway, taking a nap...


Don't you just love the look on his sweet little face?...




And speaking of glorious colors, this final photograph is of the colorful (yellow and orange) pumpkin and cheese ravioli I purchased from Trader Joe's last week. Instead of using tomato sauce, I used olive oil, a fresh Jersey tomato (chopped), and some fresh basil. I also paired it with a side salad and a glass of red wine.

It was a perfect dish for this time of the year. Lots of festive color. And lots of delicious flavor!

*isn't it funny how Autumn intensifies your love and appreciation of food?


Have a fantabulous week, y'all!
X

26 comments:

  1. It's not fair, Ron. Your autumn scenery is more colourful than mine. I think the season in UK has forgotten how to look like autumn. I just looked out of the window and the view is dull grey, with trees showing a half-hearted attempt at changing colour. Dull, dull, dull! I think the wrong kind of trees were planted. I remember as a child scuffling through piles of lovely leaves but we don't see them any more, not where I live anyway.

    Loved this post, though, you have a knack of writing cheerfully. Hope things are going well for you.

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  2. Ron, it has been awhile since I have commented but happened upon this one of your many beautiful posts. Wow. Absolutely beautiful. The fall colors you have captured perfectly, as I can practically smell fall in the air and practically can hear the crunching sounds as people walk to and fro from the most amazing photos that scream “Fall is here!”
    And I can just taste that delicious pumpkin ravioli and smell those Jersey tomatoes and fresh basil, my absolute favorite spice!!!!! Thank you for this post! Fall is my absolute favorite time of year! And now I will have to go to Trader Joe’s and get some pumpkin cheese ravioli ! We just got a Trader Joe’s here a few months ago (down South in G’town TN;) it’s nice! Love to you! As always thank you for such a lovely post. You are so incredibly talented and gifted :) Enjoy your week! Mary ~

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  3. What awesome pictures you took! And the one before that gorgeous dog reminded me of Xmas. I felt like we got ripped off here. It was so warm and when the leaves finally started turning 2 weeks ago, it began raining every single day until today! I think we got 5 inches of rain last week. And the wind! Leaves just blew right down. I managed to get in one walk on Sunday and took two photos. Disappointing! I'm glad I got to enjoy yours!

    Middle Child and I went to Trader Joes yesterday and we did buy some pumpkin items. She was excited that they had her pretzel bagels that she loves. Have a great week, Ron!

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  4. Happy Autumn!! At least I'm getting to enjoy it here in your photos... because I haven't had much of a chance to go out and get my own lately. Stupid jobs. LOL The other day Ron asked if I wanted to take a drive down the AC Expressway where the colors were probably magnificent... but then we got home a little late from other things we had to do and didn't get to go. And last two days of RAIN... whew.
    What a sweet doggie!
    I'm going to go check my yard right now!!! I see a bit of sun out there... so here's hoping!

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  5. Ron, your Autumn looks waaaay more colorful than mine did! Thank you for sharing it with us. It's my favorite time of year as well. Something about Nature's last umph of splendor before she goes dormant during the winter.


    And your meal sounds -- and looks -- YUMMY! Way more healthy than a big ole slab of meat, ha!


    I'm still holed up and writing, but I just had to tell you how much I enjoyed your walk! xo

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  6. Ooh - I'm going to Trader Joe's Friday, I'll look for that ravioli!

    As much as I adore spring and summer, I will admit that the colors of fall are astounding and always make my soul feel full. Fantastic shots, my friend. :-)

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  7. Hey there Valerie!

    It's only been last week that we finally got a cold snap, which was the reason why our trees suddenly turned color. However, before then, they were very lackluster. That was why I quickly ran outside last week and took a load of photographs, in the hopes to capture the color before it went away.

    "I remember as a child scuffling through piles of lovely leaves but we don't see them any more, not where I live anyway."

    OMG...me too...me too! I loved the sound they make when you scuffle your feet through them. I still do that sometimes. Not only do I enjoy the sound, but also the smell of dry leaves. So earthy!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Yes, all things well for me. Getting all excited about the holiday season. I can't believe Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. And then Christmas! I'm savoring the next couple of months because I love this time year.

    Have a great week!
    X

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  8. Greetings Mary!

    It's so great to see you again! Thanks so much for stopping by.

    "...as I can practically smell fall in the air and practically can hear the crunching sounds as people walk to and fro from the most amazing photos that scream “Fall is here!” "

    OMG, you nailed it perfectly! And THAT'S one of the many things I LOVE about Fall! Like a kid, I still enjoy walking through the leaves and the sound they make. And also, as you shared...the SMELL of Fall. Isn't it faaaaaabulous?

    Fall has a way of awakening all my senses, as if they're amplified 100%.

    " I will have to go to Trader Joe’s and get some pumpkin cheese ravioli ! We just got a Trader Joe’s here a few months ago (down South in G’town TN;) it’s nice"

    You will ADORE Trader Joe's!!!! They have such a great variety of food items at a very good price. It's kind of like Whole Foods, but MUCH cheaper. My brother just got a Trader Joe's where he lives in Florida and loves it.

    Again, thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Your comment made me smile. It was so sweet!

    Happy Holidays to you!

    X

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  9. You're right...that picture DOES look like Christmas!

    Yes, we got A LOT of rain too. In fact, it rained on and off for almost two weeks. Luckily, mid-week last week, we got a cold snap, which suddenly turned the leaves colorful. I'm hoping and praying that it lasts a few more weeks before they all fall off.

    "Middle Child and I went to Trader Joes yesterday and we did buy some pumpkin items. She was excited that they had her pretzel bagels that she loves."

    Oh, don't you LOVE Trader Joe's? I love the wide variety of food items they offer, but I also love the whole "vibe" of Trader Joe's, I always have such an enjoying time shopping there because of the great energy from their employees. And yes, I've seen those pretzel bagels!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have fantastic rest of your week!

    X

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  10. Happy Autumn, Mary!!!!!

    Last week, we suddenly got a nice cold snap, which immediately turned the leaves into their glorious colors. However, up until then it's been a very uneventful Autumn, as far as color goes. I imagine where you live (out in the Jersey burbs) the trees are magnificent!

    Isn't that doggie such a sweetie? I was so glad I had my camera in my hands when I walked by him, because I quickly snapped two pictures and was delighted that they turned out the way they did.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Happy Autumn to you and your family!

    X

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  11. Helloooooooo there Debbie!

    The only reason why we got this suddenly burst of color is because we suddenly got a really good cold snap last week, which turned the leaves. But up until then, it's been a very un-colorful Autumn. I only hope it lasts because I am so enjoying all the beautiful colors!

    "And your meal sounds -- and looks -- YUMMY! Way more healthy than a big ole slab of meat, ha!"

    I spotted those pumpkin ravioli in Trader Joe's last week in the refrigerated area of the store. And the second I spotted them, I snapped them up. I actually purchased them TWICE. I'm hoping they keep offering them through November because I want to eat them several more times before the season is over.

    Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, my friend. Hope all is going well with your writing! Have a fantastic rest of your week!

    X

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  12. OMG...those ravioli are DEEEEEEEEEEEELICIOUS!

    I spotted them a few weeks ago in the refrigerated area of the store. I've already purchased them TWICE. They have about eight ravioli in each container, which is too small a serving because I could have eaten more than eight. I could have eaten TWELVE!

    Aren't the colors of Fall astounding? I love this season. I only wished it lasted longer.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend! Have a fantastic rest of your week!

    X

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  13. Ron, these pictures are stunning! You really captured the glorious colors of Autumn. I love the one of the dog, such a sweet face :) Like you, this is my favorite season of the year. I also enjoy Winter and Spring. I'm just not a big fan of Summer because I don't like heat or humidity.

    That ravioli looks so delicious. The next time in Trader Joe's, I'll be getting those!

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  14. Incredible photos, Ron! They're GLORIOUS! This is one of the main things I miss about not living in the northeast - AUTUMN! It's not the same in Florida is it? I get so tired of constant sameness when it comes to the weather. No real seasons except one continuous summer. It gets old.

    I love the 6th photo down of the guy walking past the store front. Where is that? Wonderful building.

    And the dog, oh my god, how cute!

    Thanks for sharing your favorite season with us. Have a wonderful week! X

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  15. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comFriday, November 09, 2018

    Such stunning photos that really capture the beauty and vibrance that is autumn!

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  16. Amazing colors, Ron! Both the leaves AND the ravioli. Glad your favorite season is in full swing now.

    I don't think you're crazy for leaving Florida. I think you would have been crazier to STAY! Enjoy your weekend, my friend.

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  17. Ooooo! I've been waiting for you to post Autumn pics from your part of the country. And you certainly didn't disappoint! These are drop-dead gorgeous and I simply cannot pick a favorite! We got our first snow last night. A bit early in my opinion, but it is very pretty....since it didn't stick to the streets. Wonderful job. Do you have any more?! :-) Hope your weekend is a good one. Take care my friend and stay warm!

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  18. Thank you, Candice :) I had so much fun taking these pictures because I always get so excited when the Autumn leaves come to life!

    "I also enjoy Winter and Spring. I'm just not a big fan of Summer because I don't like heat or humidity."

    Yes, I feel the same way! I'm am soooooo looking forward to Winter, I LOVE it! Summer is the only season I could do without, especially mid-summer when it get incredibly hot and humid. Oy vey!

    The ravioli WERE delicious! In fact, I bought them again early this week and enjoyed them!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic weekend!
    X

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  19. Hola Denise!

    Isn't Autumn faaaaaabulous? Yes, that's the main reason why I moved back to northeast from Florida. I had lived there 20 years and suddenly had enough. I wanted to experience the change of seasons again. I love being back in the north.

    That photograph was taken in Old City (I think I was on 3rd Street, between Arch and Chestnut. I LOVE that area of the city because it reminds me of SoHo in New York. Old City is the oldest area of Philly. The architecture is incredible!

    isn't that dog adorable. I love his sweet eyes.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend too!
    X

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  20. Thank you, Fiona :) I've been sooooooooo enjoying our photographs of autumn as well. You live in such a beautiful area that so exquisitely displays the vibrancy of my favorite season!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely weekend!
    X

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  21. Helloooooooooo there Mark!

    Yes...............we FINALLY got a colorful Autumn and I am sooooooooo happy! We had a sudden cold snap, which made the leaves come to life! And speaking of cold, this weekend is supposed to go down into the 30's. And we may even get some snow tomorrow. Yahooooooo!

    "I don't think you're crazy for leaving Florida. I think you would have been crazier to STAY! "

    Yup....I was so ready to leave Florida. And I'm so glad I did. And I'm always reminded of that every time Autumn kicks in.

    Have a faaaaaaabulous weekend, my friend! Thanks so much for stopping by.

    X to you and Tara

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  22. Aw....thank you, Lisa :) You know how much I LOVE Autumn, so I was beyond excited last week when we got a cold snap, which suddenly made all our trees come to life with vibrant color!

    Yes, I saw your snow picture on Instagram yesterday and was so excited when I saw that it had already snowed there. We may be getting some tomorrow. Yahoooooooo! I am so enjoying the weather right now. I'm finally able to wear my sweaters, scarves and jackets. I love Fall clothing!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic weekend!
    X

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  23. Ron, my husband and I just got back from spending time with our family who is still living in Long Island, New York and we so excited to see the changing of the leaves because it's been virtually non-existent here. I think because it's colder in New York and outside of the city, they have more a change. But I was so happy to read your post early this evening and FANTASTIC photographs celebrating the glorious colors of Autumn!

    We're you down around Society Hill and Old City when you took these? I love that area of the city too.

    LOVE the pictures of the dog. Sweet little face indeed!

    And I'm going to Trader Joe's tomorrow to look for those ravioli, they look delicious. I may get them for Thanksgiving dinner this year. I'm having some relatives over.

    Happy Autumn, Ron! X

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  24. Hey there Elaine!

    OMG....I am so jealous that you were in Long Island, I LOVE that area of NY, especially during Autumn and Winter. My roommate in NYC was born on Long Island, so we used to take the train out to his parent's home on the weekends. They had a fabulous home in Riverhead.

    Yes, you're absolutely right...those pics were taken down in Society Hill and Old City. I freaking LOVE that area of the city. It reminds me a lot of SoHo in New York.

    Isn't that doggie such a cutie? Love his sweet eyes.

    They still have those ravioli at Trader Joe's because I was just there two days ago and purchased more. They are sooooooooooo yummy!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a great rest of your week!
    X

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  25. Hey, Ron! You know my hatred of all things cold, but I must say these pictures are fantastic.

    You capture all the beauty of fall--I can almost hear the leave crackling beneath my feet! I love the doggie photo and that image of the ravioli is making me hungry!

    I only wish I was looking at these beautiful photos from somewhere in the tropics instead of Brooklyn, but, like Mick Jagger said, you can't always get what you want.

    Great post, buddy! Take care!

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  26. I know, Rob, not only you...but I think LOTS of people feel the same - they hate all things cold and much prefer the warmth of Summer. Not me though, Autumn and Winter are my favorite seasons because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it cold. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

    Isn't the doggie cute? He was so unaffected when I stopped, took out my camera, and snapped a photo of him. He was like, "Go ahead...take a picture of me...I don't care."

    "I only wish I was looking at these beautiful photos from somewhere in the tropics instead of Brooklyn, but, like Mick Jagger said, you can't always get what you want."

    HA! OMG...I loved that! And I also love that song by, Mick. Brings back a lot of memories.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous rest of your week.

    X

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