Hibernating for the Summer?

It is officially time for fall around here, and I don't mean decor wise.  I shamefully did that weeks ago. 

It is a very crisp 60 degrees out right now, and I couldn't be more in love.  After a very hot, and very humid Houston Summer, I am in desperate need of a little cool in my life.

Thinking about being outdoors has made me realize that we've really neglected the outside of our house this Summer.  While it's not in shambles or anything, we've really just maintained outside (normal grass mowing and what-not) and we haven't done anything really to make it more us. 

Which got me thinking- Most Northerners talk about putting away patio furniture or otherwise getting the outdoors ready to be neglected for a few months, once fall hits. 

 I feel the exact opposite here in Zone 9.    I'm ready to wash off the patio furniture, which has been gathering dust and baking in the 100+ degree weather all Summer, or scour Craigslist for a bistro type set so we can start enjoying our dinners outside.   Perhaps we might rearrange some of the plantings I did in the Spring, that didn't quite turn out how I hoped, or add some color to the shutters out front.

After a long Summer of hiding indoors, of kids complaining after 10 minutes of playing at hot outdoor parks, of endless cans of bug spray and sunscreen, and $300+ electric bills, I am ready for FALL!!

So while those of you up North are getting ready to hibernate, this bear is stretching her hind legs and getting ready to go out foraging.  :)   (that is what bears do, right?  haha)

Houston skyline in the Fall, via sawe.org

Oh, and I'll finally be finishing up the slipcover for the Nursery Chair today, so check back later for that!

-Courtney