[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 11.03.2025​

Hey GrayViners!

There’s something about autumn that just brings back the best kind of memories, isn’t there? The air turns crisp, the leaves start showing off, and suddenly everything smells like cinnamon, apples, and wood smoke. Fall always seemed to move a little slower — like the world gave us a chance to pause before the rush of the holidays.

So, let’s take a trip down memory lane together. What was your favorite fall activity growing up?

Image credit: Blue/The GrayVine

Did you rake up big piles of leaves just to jump in them? Go apple-picking with your family? Maybe you loved hayrides, football games, or helping bake pumpkin pies in the kitchen. Some folks might even remember heading to the fair or carving the year’s best jack-o’-lantern.

As for me, nothing beat running around outside and playing with dried leaves, just like the kids in this photo—tossing them up, hearing them crunch underfoot, and laughing until the sun went down. It’s amazing how something so simple could feel like magic.

Now it’s your turn! Tell us what made your childhood autumns unforgettable—the sights, the smells, the moments.

Drop your story in the comments below. I can’t wait to read them all.

Cheers!
Blue

 

[Hazeleyes]

Back in the day I like the hayrides, horseback riding and making apple pies.

 

[Wiseoldone]

Baseball or football in the street

 

[NIBOR0]

I loved the smell of the fireplaces as they got lit all around the neighborhood.

 

[Gayle B.]

I loved camping with my Girl Scout troop. We would go to a place where we fixed our own food, put up our tents, We made our campfires to tell stories and make s’mores. We had special games to play, made art projects, sang G. S. songs. Being a Scout is where I met my bff in the 7th grade. We haven’t been able to get together for years, but we talk on the phone whenever we have something to share with each other. It’s one of those relationships that when we talk to each other, it’s like we haven’t skipped a beat! Talk about an endearing relationship!

 

[TriciaR]

Back in the day I like the hayrides, horseback riding and making apple pies.

That sounds like such a wonderful mix of fun and coziness — thanks for sharing @Hazeleyes ! Do you still enjoy baking apple pies today, or was that more of a special fall tradition from your younger days?

 

[TriciaR]

Baseball or football in the street

Thanks for sharing that @Wiseoldone ! Sounds like a lot of great memories and friendly competition. Did you have a favorite team you liked to cheer for back then, or was it all about playing for fun with friends?

 

[TriciaR]

I loved the smell of the fireplaces as they got lit all around the neighborhood.

That’s such a lovely memory — thanks for sharing @NIBOR0 ! There’s something so comforting about that smoky, woodsy scent in the air. Did your family have a fireplace at home too, or did you just enjoy the atmosphere around the neighborhood?

 

[TriciaR]

I loved camping with my Girl Scout troop. We would go to a place where we fixed our own food, put up our tents, We made our campfires to tell stories and make s’mores. We had special games to play, made art projects, sang G. S. songs. Being a Scout is where I met my bff in the 7th grade. We haven’t been able to get together for years, but we talk on the phone whenever we have something to share with each other. It’s one of those relationships that when we talk to each other, it’s like we haven’t skipped a beat! Talk about an endearing relationship!

What a beautiful memory — thank you for sharing that @Gayle B. ! It sounds like those camping trips were full of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable moments. Do you still keep up with any of the old Girl Scout traditions, like making s’mores or singing around a fire?

 

[NIBOR0]

That’s such a lovely memory — thanks for sharing @NIBOR0 ! There’s something so comforting about that smoky, woodsy scent in the air. Did your family have a fireplace at home too, or did you just enjoy the atmosphere around the neighborhood?

 

[NIBOR0]

No, we didn't have a fireplace but when the stars were twinkling, your nose got cold and you just smelled that smell, that was the epitomy of fall for me.

 

[Hazeleyes]

That sounds like such a wonderful mix of fun and coziness — thanks for sharing @Hazeleyes ! Do you still enjoy baking apple pies today, or was that more of a special fall tradition from your younger days?

It was something I did in my younger days. Now with my health issues I might make a couple pies to my dietary need of less sugar and salt.