When Autumn Comes to Arizona

When Ed and I moved to Arizona, we were drawn to the turquoise blue skies, the mild winters, beautiful sunsets, and the way you can see a million stars in the clear night sky. But, I’ll have to admit, I miss fall. Don’t get me wrong, we have seasons here in the desert southwest, winters differ greatly from summers, but the changes are subtle. You have to be on the lookout or they will pass you by. Here’s how I do Autumn in Arizona:

Forget about Daylight Savings Time

It doesn’t exist in Arizona. We are one of the two states that do not save daylight. (The other being Hawaii, where they don’t worry about time anyway.) There’s no adjustment period when the clock suddenly “falls back” or “springs forward.” The only slight adjustment I make is keeping track of what time my friends and family in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia are on when it comes time to make a phone call.

It is rather nice. Being retired, I have the luxury of waking with the sun each morning, meaning I sleep in longer in the winter. My biological clock is in sync with the seasons. (That’s not to say I go to bed at dusk, mind you, thanks to the invention of indoor lighting and Netflix.)

Add Some Fall Decor

There are few deciduous trees here unless you go up to the mountains or have a pomegranate tree, so forget about leaves (nothing to rake, however.) Here in Arizona, you have to make your own autumn ambience. Hang a fake leaf wreath, light a pumpkin spice candle. It’s a feeble attempt, I know, but it helps.

Wardrobe Changes

It took me years to figure out how to dress for the seasons in Arizona. A friend of mine who’s been here longer than I have says “It’s all about layering.” I still don’t have it right. The other day I met some friends for coffee. It was 50 degrees when I left home. I put on a long- sleeved tee and jeans. We sat outside, and by the time our lattes arrived, I was too hot. Back home, I changed into shorts and sleeveless top. Once the sun went down, the temperature took a nose dive and I put on a sweatshirt and yoga pants. We do a lot of laundry at our house this time of year.

Seasonal Food

Cool, crisp salads are making way for soups, Ed’s homemade bread, and yes, I’ll admit it:  Pumpkin Spice Latte. My new favorite comes from Trader Joe and I mix it in with my chai tea. Perfect for sipping by the fire pit in the evening while making s’mores.

Yeah, I know, it’s not the same. Those of you who live in other parts of the country will have your beautiful leaves, the first snowfall, White Christmas. I miss it, and in fact, I’ve just returned from a trip to the Midwest where I experienced a week of Real Fall. But come January, February, and March, you’ll be calling me for reservations. Our guest room books up fast.

Author’s note: a version of this story originally appeared in the November 2022 issue of the Oro Valley Style Magazine