It’s feeling a lot like autumn, and I’m absolutely loving it. 

I had my first campfire last Saturday night. Bob wanted to know what I wanted to do on a Saturday night. By his reaction, I don’t think he expected me to say ‘build a campfire and toast some marshmallows’ but that is exactly what I wanted to do. I guess some girls would suggest something more lively, like finding a band playing somewhere.  

To be completely honest with you, he offered some initial resistance, but I’m very persistent when I need to be. My heart was set on a campfire and marshmallows. 

Follow my logic: Last fall was a complete bust. We went from summer to winter very quickly. No cooler evenings suitable for a campfire, marshmallows and relaxing. Just in case 2020 continues to be a year of disappointment, we should get in as much enjoyment as humanly possible while we can. Last Saturday evening was perfect for a campfire. It got a bit too cold around 10, but until then, it was awesome.

By the time I completed my reasoning, he turned the car towards the store. Purchased were marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. I suggested marshmallows, but he upgraded to s’mores. On the way to his house, he called his daughter and son to see if they wanted to participate. I definitely won him over.  

Hopefully, 2020 will allow a few more fall-related activities. Specifically, I’m looking forward to digging for the right pumpkin in a huge container full of wrong ones and carving it with delicate precision. I want to get lost in a corn maze, go on a hayride, trek through Cedar Grove’s Haunted Trail, eat chili and drink cocoa. 

I want to watch falling leaves (but not in my yard), walk during the day without sweating from head to toe, and watch horror movies Oct. 1-31. My favorite horror movie character of all time is Michael Myers. The Halloween movies are definitely my favorite. 

Right now, Halloween cooking shows are on television. They started about two weeks ago. I’ve been watching those to generate ideas for my Halloween dessert. I’m thinking a combination of creepy and tasty with a newspaper twist. Once I figure out what I’m making, I’ll have two to three weeks to figure out how to make it.

Past Halloween desserts have been spiders, ghosts, eyeballs, brains and a heart.  

What will it be this year? I have the beginnings of an idea but that’s about it. I have no idea how to make it or what it will look like when I’m done. I enjoy the journey towards the creation. Yet to be determined are any decorations to go with it. Presentation is everything.

There are many reasons for my love of fall and particularly, October and Halloween. It can’t get here quick enough. 

Standard reporter Lisa Hobbs can be reached at citynews@southernstandard.com.