Jo here. Welcome to autumn.
Where does the word come from? I'll just quote wikipedia. 
"The word autumn comes from the ancient Etruscan root autu– and has within it connotations of the passing of the year. It was borrowed by the neighbouring Romans, and became the Latin word autumnus. After the Roman era the word continued to be used as the Old French word autompne (automne in modern French), and was later normalised to the original Latin. In the Medieval period there are rare examples of its use as early as the 12th century, but by the 16th century it was in common use."
What did they call it in English before the 16th century? Apparently, harvest, which makes sense. Especially when I think of my bountiful crop of tomatoes at the moment! If I were in France I might be harvesting grapes, and I'd certainly welcome a bumper crop of them. We used to have a vine in Canada and we did make wine. Tomato wine? We tried it once. (We've experimented with nearly all fruits.) Nah. 
Of course North Americans call it fall, which again makes sense in all the places where the leaves begin to fall and make thick carpets. There have to be places where this happens in England, but as house plots don't tend to be large or have many large trees, I think it's less common. Let's just say I don't remember raking leaves when growing up.
For my first medieval, Lord of My Heart, (A RITA finalist) I pointed out that the colour scheme just wasn't very likely!
John Keats famously wrote of the English autumn.
"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness!
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;"
I've been thinking about autumn recently as my work-in-progress begins in late September and my heroine, being cold and wet, is not feeling kindly about the season.
Autumn can be a lovely month, and here in Devon we're having a particularly warm and sunny one, for which I give thanks, but for me there's a sorrow to it, mainly from it also bringing the equinox. From now on we'll have less daylight than dark. I sense winter prowling towards me, smelling of dark and cold. Yup, if you haven't guessed, I could cut winter out of the year and think nothing lost. Well, to be precise, I'd cut from mid November to mid-February. Don't worry,I'd stretch out the other bits and we'd still have Christmas. 
I find North American writers are more likely to celebrate autumn, and it's not surprising if they live in the areas that give the splendid fall colours. A hillside in vivid red and gold is a staggering beauty, and the simplest street can be made magical by a carpet of the leaves of one or two trees.
"The time of the falling leaves has come again. Once more in our morning walk we tread upon carpets of gold and crimson, of brown and bronze, woven by the winds or the rains out of these delicate textures while we slept. How beautifully the leaves grow old! How full of light and color are their last days!" John Burroughs.
Jane Austen is more somber. “Her pleasure in the walk must arise from the exercise and the day, from the view of the last smiles of the year upon the tawny leaves and withered hedges…” Persuasion
Where are you on the seasons? I suspect it will depend a lot on where you live, but do you like to have all four, or is there one you'd cheerfully eliminate?
Jo
I love having seasons that change, but I think my favorite is fall. The feeling that is the beginning of a new year lingers from childhood and the start of a new school year, but it’s also a culmination—”Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.”
But what I really love is the end of the heat and humidity.
I love having seasons that change, but I think my favorite is fall. The feeling that is the beginning of a new year lingers from childhood and the start of a new school year, but it’s also a culmination—”Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.”
But what I really love is the end of the heat and humidity.
I love having seasons that change, but I think my favorite is fall. The feeling that is the beginning of a new year lingers from childhood and the start of a new school year, but it’s also a culmination—”Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.”
But what I really love is the end of the heat and humidity.
I love having seasons that change, but I think my favorite is fall. The feeling that is the beginning of a new year lingers from childhood and the start of a new school year, but it’s also a culmination—”Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.”
But what I really love is the end of the heat and humidity.
I love having seasons that change, but I think my favorite is fall. The feeling that is the beginning of a new year lingers from childhood and the start of a new school year, but it’s also a culmination—”Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.”
But what I really love is the end of the heat and humidity.
I love all the seasons, their smells, colours, and sounds, the transition of one into another, the signs that build a warm sense of anticipation of the return of each old friend. Autumn changes my little house on the inside as well, for I love to heat up the oven and stir up the pots in my kitchen (neglected over the lazy summer). From the crunch of leaves and sounds of dropping acorns in the garden, I bring my small harvest in to become warm soups and breads and pies. The children come laughing and sniffing, home again.
I love all the seasons, their smells, colours, and sounds, the transition of one into another, the signs that build a warm sense of anticipation of the return of each old friend. Autumn changes my little house on the inside as well, for I love to heat up the oven and stir up the pots in my kitchen (neglected over the lazy summer). From the crunch of leaves and sounds of dropping acorns in the garden, I bring my small harvest in to become warm soups and breads and pies. The children come laughing and sniffing, home again.
I love all the seasons, their smells, colours, and sounds, the transition of one into another, the signs that build a warm sense of anticipation of the return of each old friend. Autumn changes my little house on the inside as well, for I love to heat up the oven and stir up the pots in my kitchen (neglected over the lazy summer). From the crunch of leaves and sounds of dropping acorns in the garden, I bring my small harvest in to become warm soups and breads and pies. The children come laughing and sniffing, home again.
I love all the seasons, their smells, colours, and sounds, the transition of one into another, the signs that build a warm sense of anticipation of the return of each old friend. Autumn changes my little house on the inside as well, for I love to heat up the oven and stir up the pots in my kitchen (neglected over the lazy summer). From the crunch of leaves and sounds of dropping acorns in the garden, I bring my small harvest in to become warm soups and breads and pies. The children come laughing and sniffing, home again.
I love all the seasons, their smells, colours, and sounds, the transition of one into another, the signs that build a warm sense of anticipation of the return of each old friend. Autumn changes my little house on the inside as well, for I love to heat up the oven and stir up the pots in my kitchen (neglected over the lazy summer). From the crunch of leaves and sounds of dropping acorns in the garden, I bring my small harvest in to become warm soups and breads and pies. The children come laughing and sniffing, home again.
I am a fall junky. I live in the Willamette Valley and we have beautiful fall colors through October. The air becomes crisp and cool and pumpkin patches appear with their harvest time fun. I could probably loose winter as well because we have more rain than snow and more dark, gloomy days then sunshine.
I am a fall junky. I live in the Willamette Valley and we have beautiful fall colors through October. The air becomes crisp and cool and pumpkin patches appear with their harvest time fun. I could probably loose winter as well because we have more rain than snow and more dark, gloomy days then sunshine.
I am a fall junky. I live in the Willamette Valley and we have beautiful fall colors through October. The air becomes crisp and cool and pumpkin patches appear with their harvest time fun. I could probably loose winter as well because we have more rain than snow and more dark, gloomy days then sunshine.
I am a fall junky. I live in the Willamette Valley and we have beautiful fall colors through October. The air becomes crisp and cool and pumpkin patches appear with their harvest time fun. I could probably loose winter as well because we have more rain than snow and more dark, gloomy days then sunshine.
I am a fall junky. I live in the Willamette Valley and we have beautiful fall colors through October. The air becomes crisp and cool and pumpkin patches appear with their harvest time fun. I could probably loose winter as well because we have more rain than snow and more dark, gloomy days then sunshine.
I adore autumn with its bright light and colors, especially here in New England. We still have a summer sun, but the air is crisp as the moisture is whisked away. If I had one season to get rid of, it would be the juncture of winter and spring, except for the maple sugar.
I adore autumn with its bright light and colors, especially here in New England. We still have a summer sun, but the air is crisp as the moisture is whisked away. If I had one season to get rid of, it would be the juncture of winter and spring, except for the maple sugar.
I adore autumn with its bright light and colors, especially here in New England. We still have a summer sun, but the air is crisp as the moisture is whisked away. If I had one season to get rid of, it would be the juncture of winter and spring, except for the maple sugar.
I adore autumn with its bright light and colors, especially here in New England. We still have a summer sun, but the air is crisp as the moisture is whisked away. If I had one season to get rid of, it would be the juncture of winter and spring, except for the maple sugar.
I adore autumn with its bright light and colors, especially here in New England. We still have a summer sun, but the air is crisp as the moisture is whisked away. If I had one season to get rid of, it would be the juncture of winter and spring, except for the maple sugar.
I can see that if summer is too hot,Lil, especially with humidity, fall would be a relief.
I can see that if summer is too hot,Lil, especially with humidity, fall would be a relief.
I can see that if summer is too hot,Lil, especially with humidity, fall would be a relief.
I can see that if summer is too hot,Lil, especially with humidity, fall would be a relief.
I can see that if summer is too hot,Lil, especially with humidity, fall would be a relief.
That’s beautifully expressed, Cathy. Thank you!
That’s beautifully expressed, Cathy. Thank you!
That’s beautifully expressed, Cathy. Thank you!
That’s beautifully expressed, Cathy. Thank you!
That’s beautifully expressed, Cathy. Thank you!
That brings back memories of fall in Eastern Canada, Samantha. But then came winter!
That brings back memories of fall in Eastern Canada, Samantha. But then came winter!
That brings back memories of fall in Eastern Canada, Samantha. But then came winter!
That brings back memories of fall in Eastern Canada, Samantha. But then came winter!
That brings back memories of fall in Eastern Canada, Samantha. But then came winter!
I know what you mean about lingering winter, Dory.At least here the garden is stirring in February.
I know what you mean about lingering winter, Dory.At least here the garden is stirring in February.
I know what you mean about lingering winter, Dory.At least here the garden is stirring in February.
I know what you mean about lingering winter, Dory.At least here the garden is stirring in February.
I know what you mean about lingering winter, Dory.At least here the garden is stirring in February.
I grew up in the west (Idaho), and while I read in books that people called fall autumn, it was fall. Discussing how it was pronounced only made you sound more pretentious and superior. *g*
Fall means winter, and winter is the season I can do without. Let me rephrase, I love a winter with no snow. Not a single snowflake. Then, I like winter and can put up with the short days, especially with the lights of Christmas.
My best memories of fall are going out with my Dad into the harvested wheat fields hunting pheasants. The stubble was sharp and crackly, and the sunny air would be so crisp. Dad always saved the tail feathers for me to decorate a hat. My brothers and I when I was at home reminisced about a perfect fall day when we went to an afternoon football game at some farming town in the Palouse. The town was too small to be able to afford a lighted football field.
I grew up in the west (Idaho), and while I read in books that people called fall autumn, it was fall. Discussing how it was pronounced only made you sound more pretentious and superior. *g*
Fall means winter, and winter is the season I can do without. Let me rephrase, I love a winter with no snow. Not a single snowflake. Then, I like winter and can put up with the short days, especially with the lights of Christmas.
My best memories of fall are going out with my Dad into the harvested wheat fields hunting pheasants. The stubble was sharp and crackly, and the sunny air would be so crisp. Dad always saved the tail feathers for me to decorate a hat. My brothers and I when I was at home reminisced about a perfect fall day when we went to an afternoon football game at some farming town in the Palouse. The town was too small to be able to afford a lighted football field.
I grew up in the west (Idaho), and while I read in books that people called fall autumn, it was fall. Discussing how it was pronounced only made you sound more pretentious and superior. *g*
Fall means winter, and winter is the season I can do without. Let me rephrase, I love a winter with no snow. Not a single snowflake. Then, I like winter and can put up with the short days, especially with the lights of Christmas.
My best memories of fall are going out with my Dad into the harvested wheat fields hunting pheasants. The stubble was sharp and crackly, and the sunny air would be so crisp. Dad always saved the tail feathers for me to decorate a hat. My brothers and I when I was at home reminisced about a perfect fall day when we went to an afternoon football game at some farming town in the Palouse. The town was too small to be able to afford a lighted football field.
I grew up in the west (Idaho), and while I read in books that people called fall autumn, it was fall. Discussing how it was pronounced only made you sound more pretentious and superior. *g*
Fall means winter, and winter is the season I can do without. Let me rephrase, I love a winter with no snow. Not a single snowflake. Then, I like winter and can put up with the short days, especially with the lights of Christmas.
My best memories of fall are going out with my Dad into the harvested wheat fields hunting pheasants. The stubble was sharp and crackly, and the sunny air would be so crisp. Dad always saved the tail feathers for me to decorate a hat. My brothers and I when I was at home reminisced about a perfect fall day when we went to an afternoon football game at some farming town in the Palouse. The town was too small to be able to afford a lighted football field.
I grew up in the west (Idaho), and while I read in books that people called fall autumn, it was fall. Discussing how it was pronounced only made you sound more pretentious and superior. *g*
Fall means winter, and winter is the season I can do without. Let me rephrase, I love a winter with no snow. Not a single snowflake. Then, I like winter and can put up with the short days, especially with the lights of Christmas.
My best memories of fall are going out with my Dad into the harvested wheat fields hunting pheasants. The stubble was sharp and crackly, and the sunny air would be so crisp. Dad always saved the tail feathers for me to decorate a hat. My brothers and I when I was at home reminisced about a perfect fall day when we went to an afternoon football game at some farming town in the Palouse. The town was too small to be able to afford a lighted football field.
I’m in the US midatlantic area (Washington DC) and it is cool at night with lots of dew in the morning, but midday has been warm and summery. Although the leaves are still green, I can feel Autumn coming, though. I am happy to enjoy the pleasant (not humid) summery days as long as they keep on coming!
I’m in the US midatlantic area (Washington DC) and it is cool at night with lots of dew in the morning, but midday has been warm and summery. Although the leaves are still green, I can feel Autumn coming, though. I am happy to enjoy the pleasant (not humid) summery days as long as they keep on coming!
I’m in the US midatlantic area (Washington DC) and it is cool at night with lots of dew in the morning, but midday has been warm and summery. Although the leaves are still green, I can feel Autumn coming, though. I am happy to enjoy the pleasant (not humid) summery days as long as they keep on coming!
I’m in the US midatlantic area (Washington DC) and it is cool at night with lots of dew in the morning, but midday has been warm and summery. Although the leaves are still green, I can feel Autumn coming, though. I am happy to enjoy the pleasant (not humid) summery days as long as they keep on coming!
I’m in the US midatlantic area (Washington DC) and it is cool at night with lots of dew in the morning, but midday has been warm and summery. Although the leaves are still green, I can feel Autumn coming, though. I am happy to enjoy the pleasant (not humid) summery days as long as they keep on coming!
Autumn is probably the nicest time of the year in Canberra. Even though native Australian trees don’t lose their leaves, Canberra turns yellow, orange and red each year.
I’m in Spain at the moment, but as far as I can tell, autumn isn’t such a big deal here.
Autumn is probably the nicest time of the year in Canberra. Even though native Australian trees don’t lose their leaves, Canberra turns yellow, orange and red each year.
I’m in Spain at the moment, but as far as I can tell, autumn isn’t such a big deal here.
Autumn is probably the nicest time of the year in Canberra. Even though native Australian trees don’t lose their leaves, Canberra turns yellow, orange and red each year.
I’m in Spain at the moment, but as far as I can tell, autumn isn’t such a big deal here.
Autumn is probably the nicest time of the year in Canberra. Even though native Australian trees don’t lose their leaves, Canberra turns yellow, orange and red each year.
I’m in Spain at the moment, but as far as I can tell, autumn isn’t such a big deal here.
Autumn is probably the nicest time of the year in Canberra. Even though native Australian trees don’t lose their leaves, Canberra turns yellow, orange and red each year.
I’m in Spain at the moment, but as far as I can tell, autumn isn’t such a big deal here.
Fall is my favorite season of the year. It always meant a fresh start to a new school year and all kinds of new possibilities. The crisp air and beautiful fall colors brought a new energy to the days. I have always enjoyed all the seasons, but winter the least!
Fall is my favorite season of the year. It always meant a fresh start to a new school year and all kinds of new possibilities. The crisp air and beautiful fall colors brought a new energy to the days. I have always enjoyed all the seasons, but winter the least!
Fall is my favorite season of the year. It always meant a fresh start to a new school year and all kinds of new possibilities. The crisp air and beautiful fall colors brought a new energy to the days. I have always enjoyed all the seasons, but winter the least!
Fall is my favorite season of the year. It always meant a fresh start to a new school year and all kinds of new possibilities. The crisp air and beautiful fall colors brought a new energy to the days. I have always enjoyed all the seasons, but winter the least!
Fall is my favorite season of the year. It always meant a fresh start to a new school year and all kinds of new possibilities. The crisp air and beautiful fall colors brought a new energy to the days. I have always enjoyed all the seasons, but winter the least!
I love everything about the fall except the loss of day light.
I love everything about the fall except the loss of day light.
I love everything about the fall except the loss of day light.
I love everything about the fall except the loss of day light.
I love everything about the fall except the loss of day light.
Fall/Autumn is my favorite season because of the cooler temperatures.It’s a beautiful day here,73.9°F with a nice breeze blowing. I’m about to go get my youngest two grandchildren and take them to McDonald’s for a couple of hours.
Fall/Autumn is my favorite season because of the cooler temperatures.It’s a beautiful day here,73.9°F with a nice breeze blowing. I’m about to go get my youngest two grandchildren and take them to McDonald’s for a couple of hours.
Fall/Autumn is my favorite season because of the cooler temperatures.It’s a beautiful day here,73.9°F with a nice breeze blowing. I’m about to go get my youngest two grandchildren and take them to McDonald’s for a couple of hours.
Fall/Autumn is my favorite season because of the cooler temperatures.It’s a beautiful day here,73.9°F with a nice breeze blowing. I’m about to go get my youngest two grandchildren and take them to McDonald’s for a couple of hours.
Fall/Autumn is my favorite season because of the cooler temperatures.It’s a beautiful day here,73.9°F with a nice breeze blowing. I’m about to go get my youngest two grandchildren and take them to McDonald’s for a couple of hours.