Things I like about living in a rural area in the fall:

Seeing entire families, mom, daughters, husband and sons in the grocery store shopping for dinner - after being out deer hunting all day. And everyone-including the women-is in full camouflage, hunting boots and caps.

Seeing rifles and shotgun racks in cars and trucks outside the grocery store.

Wondering if that noise outside is a raccoon, possum or skunk - not a burglar.

The smell of woodsmoke and burning leaves no matter what time of day or where you are.

Talking to complete strangers about how many deer they bagged and having it feel like you’re old friends because everyone around chimes in about it.

Being able to see the stars from your yard.

An occasional coyote howling on really quiet nights.

Wild turkeys on the side of the road are so common no one pays any attention unless they’re in season.

Fog that rolls up from the river.

Moonlight rising orange over pastures.

High school football and the sound of the band rising above the lights on the field.

The taste of fresh air, the smell of clean air.

The simplicity of life.