The Ultimate Fall Festivities by Ashley Rogers

                                                                                                                                                            The Ultimate Fall Festivities                                                                                             by Ashley Rogers                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As summer winds down and the cool days of the fall season set in, I can't help feeling slightly sad for the carefree days of the summer and anxious about the start of the next academic year. Thoughts of trips to the Jersey shore and sleeping late fade as Labor Day approaches. Shopping for school supplies brings images to mind of honors classes, tests, and piles of homework, but also of excitement and anticipation of another year of learning. Impatiently waiting for the school bus on the first day of class, complete with a new outfit, those brand new school supplies, and a still empty backpack, makes my stomach churn. Arriving at school and seeing all your classmates, you leave behind those buoyant days of summer and feel like you never left.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Back to School - Age 6 and 16                                                                                                                                                                                              For me, fall is not only about the beginning of a new school year, but also of saying goodbye to my older sister as she heads off to Providence College for the start of her senior year. However, autumn also brings with it memories of autumn activities shared with my family. It doesn't quite seem like fall without a trip to Masker's Orchards for our annual apple-picking event. Trudging up those steep hills, loaded down with a bountiful supply of delicious fruit, and picnicking with my family under the apple trees, while still cautiously avoiding the poison ivy that still grows readily, means the official start of the fall season. Returning home with apple cider, bags galore of juicy apples, and homemade jelly from the farm stand brings back thoughts of autumns past.                   

                                     Apple Picking at Masker's Orchards - Age 8 and 15                                                                                                                                                                                                                The colder temperature also brings with it the anticipation of trips to the cabin in West Kill, New York. Although we don't go every year, the Rogers' family (like the Kopps) looks forward to spending Teachers' Convention in this relaxing environment. Complete with hiking, a game room, and family football games, along with time in front of the huge stone fireplace, this is truly the ultimate place to just relax and unwind. It's a location where you can just forget the pressures of school and concentrate on nature and family togetherness.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Unfortunately fall is not just all about apples, trips to New York state, or even the start of school. It also means leaves, leaves and more falling leaves. It's a time when my mom and dad try to recruit me to help rake, while I come up with excuses of why I'm too busy to participate in this labor. As I reluctantly grab a rake and head out to my backyard, I can't help but think - at least it's not snow!