fall arrives

a couple of weeks ago i made the trip to state college to cheer on the nittany lions against temple.  there is something about driving along 322 in central PA - fall was just arriving and leaves were just beginning to turn, the first real cool weather was making its way across the mountains and manifest itself in dark clouds hung low across the ridges and sporadic showers throughout the day.  almost every car heading north had penn state stickers or magnets or license plate holders.  the people driving them were clad in blue and white.  stopping at the sheetz to meet buddy, there were enough people there to field a football team, and all were buzzing with the excitement of coffee and fall football.  i have to admit, the excitement is catching, and it is a ton of fun.  it was a good morning to tailgate, and we played cornhole and ate burgers and drank beers.  the weather almost held for the game, and despite a few showers in the first half, soon the sun was out and the temps dropped inside the stadium thanks to the cool air behind the front.  we had incredible seats, right on the field, and it was fun to watch the action on the sideline - BO'B yelling at the refs, Ficken practicing his kicks, the defense meeting with Ted Roof - in addition to the game itself.  penn state won, and the alma mater was sung.  there were a lot of happy people in happy valley, including me. 

we were happy to stay at the farm once again, enjoying a delicious dinner with mr. and mrs. s, watching more football in the cozy kitchen.  i always sleep soundly there, and it is even nice to wake to the sound of cows bellowing - and on this morning, a heron calling.  after a cup of coffee and breakfast we were off, and i headed to reunite with jeff, kristin, kristin's family, tyler, and ashlee at tyler's house in nearby lemont.  we had an enormous breakfast (my second on the day, if you are keeping track) and afterward half the party went antiquing in bellefonte while the rest of us hiked up mt. nittany.  the woods in the mountains near penn state have a home-like feel to me, and the sights and smells are nearly the same as they were ten years ago (and more!).  we had sun, breezes, clouds, and rain throughout the afternoon and while i'd liked to have stayed longer, soon it was time to head home again.  that's the tough part about state college - the drive home.  three hours, nearly all downhill, back to reality once again. 

the past couple of weeks have been marred by a head cold that just won't quit.  today mother nature is giving me ample opportunity to relax and try to kick the cold once and for all by providing a rainy, cold day outside.  i really wanted to go for a bike ride, but it will have to wait.  i feel as though i've been busy lately and, i admit, it is really nice sitting on the couch, enjoying a cup of tea, listening to music, and doing not much of anything.  sometimes i feel like i need to fill my life to the brim because i know just how short it is.  i've also spent a ton of time sitting and feeling miserable through the past years.  with the news of good health, i pause for the doctor appointments and scans, but then i am right back to it again.  sometimes, though, making life full means taking time for doing nothing at all.  i know it but don't always honor it.  but  today, there's good reason to do it.