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Apples, back-to-school, pumpkin patches, turning leaves, corn mazes, Halloween, pumpkin pie, maple-flavored everything, mulled cider, Thanksgiving, hayrides, football… I totally have you smelling cinnamon right now, don’t I? But does anyone really experience fall like this? I know I don’t. And yet, I find myself giddy each year when September approaches.

I eat apples all year. Our only kids are of the feline variety and I haven’t been to a pumpkin patch for at least 10 years. In fact, the last time we carved a pumpkin it came from the supermarket. And while we have very easy access to corn mazes and hayrides, we’ve never been. Yes, we leaf peep, decorate for Halloween, and watch an occasional football game on TV. But that’s not the full experience.

So, I’ve decided that I am going to have a semblance of an idyllic, aspirational fall this year. One that goes beyond getting excited about wearing chunky wool sweaters and riding boots again. Maybe having a more experience-based fall will turn into a tradition. Or maybe it will just get it out of my system.

Either way, here is my fall bucket list (subject to change based on my whims). I can almost guarantee that Boy is reading this right now and wondering how many of these activities I am going to force upon him.

My Fall Bucket List

Read a “fall” book. “The Secret History” has been on my reading list for a while. An ivy league tale with a dark twist combines the best of both worlds.

Go to a pumpkin patch, buy a pumpkin, and carve the damn thing. Yes, Boy. This involves you. Weather permitting, of course. And we can also look at corn mazes from afar.

Mull some cider. Or drink some hard cider. Or maybe mull some hard cider.

Make a pumpkin pie. Or maybe just watch Boy make a pumpkin pie while I drink hard cider.

Buy and wear a Halloween-themed t-shirt. Things just got super not-at-all crazy, right? But I work from home. Unless there’s a Halloween party invite in my future, I have no need for a costume.

Watch fall movies. Okay, I do this every year.

Change out our candles and soap to fall scents. I already sort of do this too.

Buy some fall clothing. Because… of course. Something rust, something burgundy. Maybe a little mustard yellow.