Fall magic.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that fall is my favorite time of the year.  Don't get me wrong, I like summer (what with all the mosquitoes, oppressive humidity, and endless construction zones, what's not to love.)  Sarcasm aside, fall is just my favorite, favorite time.  I love football weather, I love the colors in nature, I love sweatshirts, I love homemade soups and hot chocolate with marshmallows, I love down comforters, and I love my slippers.  It's just a glorious time of the year.  Another reason to adore fall?  Monarch butterflies.  Every autumn for the past few years, our family has temporarily housed monarch caterpillars.  Their housing isn't glamorous - it's usually just a plastic cup covered with saran wrap that sits on a window sill in our kitchen.  Aside from a few milkweed leaves to munch on, they don't need much attention (good thing).  After several days, the chubby caterpillars crawl to the top of the cup, attach themselves upside-down in a 'J' shape and before we know it, they've formed a bright green chrysalis.  After several days, the chrysalis turns black and slowly the butterfly emerges.  Even though I've seen this happen many times, I never get tired of the transformation...it's just amazing.  They're like little David Copperfields.  And what better way to welcome fall than with a magic show?   Enjoy the season, all!