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7 Fall Activities for Spoonies

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Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors, pumpkins, scents of cinnamon and apples, tasty treats and cool weather. But, sometimes having a chronic illness means you can’t always enjoy the seasons as much as you would like to because you’re homebound or you’re limited in how much you can do. These are my top seven activities you can try this Fall

1. Visit a local farm and pick apples or pumpkins!

When I was a kid, we had an apple tree in our backyard. I remember in the summer the flowers would blossom and in the fall the apples were ready for picking. Those yellow apples were such a treat! Many places have a variety of activities available. Call ahead to see about accessibility.

2. If you’re up for it, take a drive through the countryside, and enjoy the fall foliage.

Or if you’re able, see about having someone drive you or taking a tour. If you live in an area without change of seasons, head over to YouTube for some beautiful videos on these autumn tours.

3. If you’re unable to venture out, go online and order some fall indoor activities!

Reading a good book while sipping apple cider, coloring in a book of autumn sceneries, or other creative crafts are fun ways to enjoy Fall! Pinterest has some inspiring pumpkin crafts that don’t require any carving. You can paint or use stickers to decorate them.

4. Watch a Halloween-inspired movie!

I love watching movies like “Hocus Pocus,” “Practical Magic,” “The Village,” “Sleepy Hollow,” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” These timeless classics are fun to watch and get you in the mood for some spooky encounters!

5. Have a bonfire!

Most people associate bonfires with summer camping trips, but they can be fun in the fall and winter months as well! Cozy up to someone, or wrap yourself up in a warm blanket. I love the smell of bonfires and hearing the crackling noise. It’s peaceful and serene.

6. Decorate your home with some fall decor!

My kids love to help decorate for the holidays. They get so into it! I especially love having scented accents in my home that remind me of this fun season. Lots of apple cinnamon and pumpkin spices!

7. Bake something!

I love baking and, when the mood strikes me, it can be very enjoyable! One of my favorite fall recipes is pumpkin brownies. Here’s my recipe:

Pumpkin Brownies

  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pumpkin spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon clove
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips (your choice! I like dark chocolate in mine!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8- or 9-inch-square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Combine pumpkin, brown sugar, egg, egg whites and oil in large mixer bowl. Beat until well blended. Add flour, baking powder, cocoa, salt and spices. Beat until batter is smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour into the baking dish and smooth the batter.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until fork inserted near center comes out clean. Cool. Cut into squares. Enjoy!

Remember that you can enjoy the changing seasons, too! Get creative, and be open to new ideas and possibilities when brainstorming things you can do. Don’t forget to ask for help or adjust your plans according to your level of comfort. I would love to hear your suggestions!

Originally published: October 15, 2018
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