Fall Break

When you step out of the car after the 8 hour drive the smells of fall envelop you. Wafting through the air is the scent of the wood burning stove, the sweet musty fragrance of damp leaves float up from the woods, and all around is a breath of fresh air. You are quickly greeted by a dog somewhat unsure of the new arrivals but anxious to be petted all the same. In moments Grandpa is there to welcome you with a warm hug that leaves you warm and relaxed. His scent is a mix of the outdoors in which he spends most of his time, the wood burning stove he's probably just stoked, and Brut. He's quick to tell you how beautiful you look and always insists that you get more beautiful everytime he sees you.

As you walk in to my grandparents home you are instantly taken back by the heat of the wood stove. After a moments adjustment, Grandma comes to hug you and to offer you something to eat. Even if you told her not prepare anything, she almost always has a snack or meal ready. The house never seems to change much, maybe a new piece of furniture or new curtains, but for the most part the house has looked the same since you began visiting 30 years ago.

The visit goes much the same as always, sleeping in the cabin with a fire blazing through the night only to burn out so that you wake early to a frigid room,  an early trip out for breakfast on Saturday followed by  scouring the flea market for a hidden treasure, spending the day visiting with Grandpa in the garage or playing cards with Grandma at the kitchen table. You look forward to the visit from Aunt Teresa and clan for dinner, more card playing , trips to the local outlet mall that only has about five stores, and of course Wal-Mart (though you have one at home it's a requirement to make at least one visit while there). Early supper followed by a little TV and then it's time to head back to the cabin for another nights rest. Tomorrow will be much the same, there's no schedule down here, no place you have to be, just an opportunity to relax enjoy the comforts of the simple vacation.

These are the memories I have of most fall breaks since I was a child and I feel blessed that now I can share those same memories with my children.