This is why autumn is my favorite season of the year

If a "perfect storm" is when weather disasters converge, what do you call it when autumn arrives and all these glorious fall events take place at the same time?

How about "perfect"?

Since my favorite season started a couple of weeks ago, there have been more things to do than I have time for.

Consider last weekend. My wife and I have enjoyed the harvest festival at Trinity Lutheran Church in Egypt Mills for years. We are particularly fond of the jars of apple butter and relish. We tend to stock up for the winter.

This year, we also stayed for the fantastic dinner served at the church: chicken and dumplings, kettle beef, the best slaw we've ever had anywhere, homemade bread, desserts and, of course, apple butter.

This was the same weekend as the Downtown Golf Tournament here in Cape Girardeau. The afternoon of knocking a Birdieball along the streets and alleys always ends with a catfish buffet at Port Cape Restaurant. What better way to end a day of fun?

Well, in my case the Downtown Golf Tournament fell on the last Sunday of the month, which also is the same Sunday Christ Episcopal Church has its community meal for anyone who's hungry. That can be anywhere from 50 to 100 friendly folks who enjoy whatever menu the church's food committee settles on. This time it was barbecued pork cutlets, mac and cheese, stewed apples, tossed salad and fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes and a variety of cakes for dessert. The meal doesn't end until everyone has had seconds and filled to-go boxes with any leftovers.

So there you have three feasts on the same weekend. Yep. I'd say that's perfect.

Eating isn't everything, as you well know. Autumn brings plenty of other pleasures.

If you read James Baughn's blog on semissourian.com regularly, you know about all the nearby opportunities to enjoy fall colors, which have already started making an appearance. The row of sumacs we planted a few years ago along the wild hedge between our house and our neighbor's house have scarlet leaves so brilliant it looks like someone started a fire.

Everyone who enjoys golf knows fall weather is just about as good as it gets: sunny days with moderate temperatures and low humidity.

Fall also means schools are back in session, and that includes Southeast Missouri State University. And that means a new season of special events at the River Campus where the musical production of "Legally Blonde" is in full swing. And there are so many other special occasions to look forward to.

Yes, autumn also means winter is on its way. Frankly, I think it's knowing how nasty it can be in January and February that makes October and November so special.

I'm sure you have your fall favorites. Enjoy. Don't miss anything, if you can help it.

Joe Sullivan is the retired editor of the Southeast Missourian.