With a September like this, who needs October? Who needs any month at all, for that matter. These bright, blue-sky days, low humidity, not too hot–and day after day of it, as if we are emptying a cup from the best vat of wine ever made.

Here’s what I think about when everything is perfect for a while: are we enjoying it? Do you pause in your driveway on your way to work and look up at the sky and think, “This is wonderful?” Do you remind yourself that weeks of beautiful weather are rare and that this is a gift, one that should be marveled at and appreciated?

I think human beings have become disconnected from all the little gifts bestowed upon us, whether it’s day after day of lovely weather, or a good year for corn, or despite everything that’s happening in the world, the sun still rises, your coffee maker keeps making coffee, there’s still flowers blooming in your window boxes, and your dog keeps wagging his tail when he greets you at the door. I’m not sure what we deem special anymore. We live in a world of super yachts and billionaires and constant pictures crowding our screens telling us what we should look like, how remiss we are for not having achieved great wealth, and how unfortunate our lives are compared to everyone else being photographed. If you are reading this on a Sunday morning with a cup of tea and your grandkids are somewhere next to you and you have a roof over your head and plans to have dinner somewhere with your family or a friend, you are rich indeed.

The best thing I ever did for myself was disconnect from television, celebrity news and caring about what the rest of the world is doing. It’s been 12 years of not caring who Jennifer Aniston is married to, and despite not knowing the names of the current crop of movie stars and pop singers or bands, I don’t think I’m missing much. I can spend a whole day on a pot of Sunday sauce and that is enough stimulation for me. I’m happy these days if someone hasn’t picked all the good colors out of a bowl of Skittles.

Fall is really an amazing time in the northeast, and so I’m offering up a Fall Challenge hoping everyone will disconnect from their screens and head out into the woods or an apple orchard and find your own great moments.

You might want to head to the 36th Annual Fall Fest at Peek’n Peak Resort in October. They have the middle two weekends planned for fall fun. Brilliant foliage will set the scene for a juried craft show with more than 100 vendors and a farmers market beside activities like the pumpkin cannon, children’s games, live entertainment, pony rides, ski lift rides, classic car cruise-in and an annual snow sports equipment sale.

Sceiford Quality Fruit in Northeast Pa. is offering up pears and all sorts of apples for a great few months of pick-your-own fruit. Any event that offers a ride through our foothills on a fall day is a good day. Whittier Farm in Ashville opened last weekend. I love visiting there–they’ve got a great barn and last year my husband made some great pies with their apples. I also remember cider from the visit and struggling to keep up learning about all the new apple varieties. Apples are the new rabbits.

And my new obsession is eating Concord grapes! I didn’t realize how tired I was of the grocery store variety and when we brought grapes home from Westfield last weekend, my husband and I fought over the last handful. Fresh, purple grapes. What a revelation. We are so lucky to live in a place where we can get fresh fruit and vegetables by driving down the street. There are three places listed online for grape picking in Forestville, like Meadow Farms.

I also love the Great Grape Walk at Johnson Estate Winery this weekend and next. It’s self-guided but you get a map and a basket and hopefully a nice day and you traverse the vineyards picking out your favorite grape varieties to bring home. If I were to choose, that sounds like a must. When was the last time you stood in a vineyard?

Happy sunny days everyone. Enjoy them. Sunny weather ahead through the weekend.