It's official! Autumn has arrived!

There is nothing quite as bittersweet as autumn in northern Minnesota. Saying goodbye to the long days of summer and hello to the long winter nights. Goodbye to the Mosquitos and hello to the snowbirds. Goodbye to humid days and hello to static shocks. Goodbye to bonfires and hello to the warmth of the wood stove. Goodbye to swimsuits and hello to warm sweaters. Goodbye to the vegetable garden and hello to cleaning house. Goodbye to the barbecue and hello to the oven.

I know that many northlanders are sad to see the cold months ahead, but I find much to look forward to in the change of seasons. All the family home for Thanksgiving, the wonderful Christmas season and of course, long hours planning the gardens for next spring.