One of the reasons I love Kentucky so much is the four beautiful seasons.

Autumn upon us. It will officially begin this next week on Sept. 22, but for me, it seems to start with the beginning of September.

In September, we see a change develop all around us. The thing I have noticed most is how unpredictable the weather is in September.

I know many of you are thinking the weather in Kentucky is unpredictable any season. While I agree, I have found September is the wildest month of all.

I have seen the first few days of September be colder than the last few days. I have also seen the opposite, where the first few days of the month are hotter than some in July or August or as cold as some November days.

The clothes people choose to wear can range anywhere from shorts and sleeveless dresses, to slacks, long-sleeve tops, sweaters or light jackets.

While others may be bundled up in a coat, the next day you may see others out in shorts again.

I have to include the heavy rains that may fall and this year even closed schools in the area. Lately it seems as September sees as much rain as April.

Sunday, as my husband and I were driving to church, I saw leaves falling from the trees. I could not help but think of the beautiful kaleidoscope of color Kentucky would soon be experiencing.

The leaves will be turning from green to a golden yellow, red, maroon, orange and then brown before they fall to the ground. There is little more beautiful than seeing a montage of God’s handiwork as you drive along.

It does not matter what town or county in Kentucky you go to, you can witness this beauty. Just driving down any street or country road you will see it.

I am reminded of the poem by Joyce Kilmer that says, “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.” She ends it with, “Only God can make a tree.” I think she must have been thinking of fall when she wrote this poem.

This poem conjures images of a perfectly-rounded beautiful maple tree in the fall with the changing of the leaves.

The fall is also a good time to visit an apple orchard and pumpkin farms. I do not know about you, but I have to drink cold apple cider and hot cider with cinnamon during the fall.

I eat more apples in the fall than at any other time of the year. In fact, I mentioned to my husband to be sure and bring apples home from the grocery store for me this weekend. They just taste better this time of year.

In September I swap my closet, putting my summer attire up for the colder months.

You may still see me out in white pants on hot days, though. I do not go by the rule of no white pants after Labor Day. However, I will not wear white shoes. I know. I may be a little weird about this, but aren’t we all a little weird on something?

September brings about meal changes for my household as we start making more soups. The first cold day gives me my rite of passage for chili making to begin at my house. Soup will be made at least once a week after that first cold day.

Seeing the goldenrods in bloom today also made me know fall was on the way.

It also reminded me of my life down the lane as I walked home from school and saw the goldenrod in bloom. They always caught my attention.

The goldenrod can be seen throughout the state of Kentucky. It was used by the Native Americans for medicinal purposes at one time and some people may still do so.

As much as I love fall I am allergic to nearly every tree out there and the mold from the leaves when it rains. Unfortunately, allergies in Kentucky are more prevalent in the spring and fall and are my only drawback to this season.

I am hoping this will not prevent you from enjoying fall.

Hopefully, you will take advantage of some of the festivals fall will bring in our area. I am glad Kentucky is a state that we can enjoy its beauty no matter the season but fall has to rate up there with any.

I have to say out of winter, summer, spring and fall, I like the last two best of all.

Sue Staton is a Clark County native who grew up in the Kiddville area. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active at First United Methodist Church and in Towne and Country Homemakers.