The falling leaves drift by my window
The falling leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sunburned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song
But I miss you most of all, my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

Lyrics by Johnny Mercer

Fall…Its here…The first touch of Autumn. Yes, today is the Autumnal Equinox, meaning that the sun will be directly on the Equator of the Earth and the hours of day and night will be equal.

I know that many of you are still suffering through sweltering temperatures and thinking about fall is the furthest thing from your mind. Some others are being buried in torrential rains. But a few of you will feel autumn in the air as the chill tickles your skin.

I love it when you see the leaves start to drop, a bit of gold here and a little scarlet there. Early autumn harvests of pumpkins, apples, and grapes tantalize our senses. The fall season gifts us with an array of color, texture, and taste…jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pie, apple cider and pie, fresh grapes, and wine…I say bring it on!

I have no idea where Clay Aiken is today and I doubt he even realizes it is the beginning of fall. But, there are a few places he might be:

Huckleberry Trail Farm

143 Pleasant Hill Church Rd, Siler City
919-432-4825
Open Saturdays and Sundays from September 26 to October 31
Activities include a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patches, cotton patches, and farmyard games. 
2020 Update: The above information has been verified on the farm’s website but is subject to change.

Naylor Family Farm and Giant Corn Maze

6016 U.S. 401 N., Fuquay-Varina
910-249-2258
September 12th to November 2th, 2020
Monday to Thursday by appointment only. Friday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Attractions include a 10 acre corn maze, gem mining, a jump pad, farm animals, hay rides, a pumpkin patch, barrel train, play barn, farm tower fort, tire mountain, campfires, and more. 
Admission is $18 per person ages 3 and up for a Farm Pass, which includes most of the activities offered on the farm. Ages 2 and under are free with a paying adult. Each person with a paying pass will receive a free pumpkin.
Additional options such as animal feed for the petting zoo, pick-a-pumpkin, and snacks and drinks are available for small additional fees.
2020 Update: There might be some changes for 2020, but the farm will open for fall activities.
More info

There are lots more things you can do in the Raleigh district.  Just make sure you check out the schedule since the virus has made everyone’s schedule  different.

Some day, I hope to visit New York in the fall.  I would love to walk around Central Park.

Now, that is beautiful!!

It’s a stretch, I know…….but I still hope you will enjoy the following video of “Falling.”

Do You want To Have Some Fun?

BillBoard posted “Who Is Your Dream ‘American Idol’ Judge?  Vote!”  Boy, this takes us back a few years.  I think it would be fun to see Clay’s name close to the top.  There are lots of famous names on the list and the totals change, but as I am writing this, Clay is #2.  Is this important?  Not really…I think it is just fun.  But I love seeing Clay close to  the top of the list.

If you feel like me, take a moment and give Clay a vote.  I bet it will make you smile to see Clay’s name on the list.  Have some fun! and give Clay a  VOTE FOR CLAY

Say Hello to Autumn and give Clay a vote!