"the coming of the winter"

I was recently on a blog I frequent. I was asked the question, "What are you most anticipating about fall?"
I had to think for a minute, because already the colors of the leaves are changing and it's getting cold - I've been sleeping with wheat bags in bed since Andy has been away at school! And you who know me well know that I absolutely hate the cold (why do I live in Canada?). So asking myself what I'm most anticipating about fall just makes me think of how depressed I will be when it keeps getting colder and colder and colder and colder.
But I dug deep. There are some things that I've always adored about fall, and when I remember these things, I don't feel the woe of winter coming on so strong. So, I'm making a list of all the things to look forward to this fall that will make me happy and help me count my blessings.

My list:

1. Wonderful smelling crispness in the air. Just breathe it in!
2. My first wedding anniversary! yay!
3. Fall colors (they're best in Eastern Canada or Northern AB,SK,BC)
4. Crunching leaves underfoot
   
5. Snuggling
6. Sleeping under the stars in the back of the truck (with many many blankets)
7. Less yard work.
8. More scrapbook time!
9. Getting back to work with all the kids I love! - piano, girls choir, Cantos tours, pre-K
10. Birthdays to look forward to
11. Soups. yum.
12. Lovely, heart-warming wintery songs. John Denver "Rhymes and Reasons" comes to mind, "so you speak to me of sadness and the coming of the winter..."(then it gets happier)
13. Scarves. You know me, I love my scarves.
    
14. Sweaters and vests and blazers.
15. Hot chocolate, herbal teas, hot carmel apple ciders, and steamers.
    

This picture was taken a few years back at the farm in Rosemary. It's one of my favorites. Reminds me of good times.
Well, there's my list. What does yours look like?