Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Pumpkin Spice Latte and Other Great Fall Things

It's that time of the year... when leaves get ready to change, jackets are a must in the morning, and daylight turns to dusk earlier and earlier as the days go by.  Although my favorite season, Summer, is no longer with us, here's a tribute to my favorite things about fall.

Pumpkin Spiced Latte from Starbucks. 
They nailed this flavor, which brings in the subtle flavor of pumpkin and warmth of fall into one perfect mug (or paper cup).  I honestly am addicted to this drink, but I keep it to a once weekly maximum as a "treat" on the way to work.

Mississippi State Football
OK, so we were ranked until we lost to Auburn and LSU back to back.  Regardless, State football is a tradition itself.  Tyler and I are fortunate enough to live less than 3 hours from Starkville, so we plan to go to most of the home games.  Tailgating is a big part of our game day experience, too.  For the 3rd year in a row, we are in a tailgate group that coordinates the set up and tear down of the tent with TV, satellite, tables, food, etc.  We just practically show up and enjoy!
Of course a home game experience is not complete without our cowbells.  The sound of thousands of cowbells ringing simultaneously is so impressive and makes us proud of our ringing tradition.

Leaves Changing
As a kid, I remember the thrill of raking leaves into a big pile and then jumping in them.  Although our house now does not have any mature trees, we are surrounded by large oaks thanks to our 70+ year old neighborhood.  I love the bright reds, oranges, yellows that speckle the yards and streets.  I am ready to put my fall wreath on the front door as soon as they start to change OR October 1st, which ever comes first!

Cooler Runs
The St. Jude Marathon and Half Marathon is just over 2 months away, which means training is picking up.  I am running the full, so my training runs have been getting longer.  Thanks to the cooler temperatures in the morning, running has been alot easier than the 90 degree summer Memphis running.  Tyler is doing the half marathon as a St. Jude Hero.  He is not as excited about chillier running weather as I am, but he is not letting that stop him.  If you would like to support Tyler's fundraising efforts, please check out his page here.