I've decided that the smell of apples left to ripen on the tree (and then waiting in your garage to be processed or eaten) is the very essence of fall.  Along with smell of dead leaves, the scent of an approaching storm, the sound of crunching footsteps, the feel of swirling winds, and the bite of cooler air on your face . . . it all just stirs the senses and causes my whole being just to light up and somehow take on new life. That's what it feels like, anyway. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. All the changes, all the anticipation, all the giddy happy smiles -- I love it all!  Autumn is the time of year when Monika the strict and steady mom, step-mom, and wife turns into monika the fun-loving, carefree girl who always danced in the rain. And now makes apple pies. =)