You can always count on fall to be the season that’s easiest to identify. With the leaves changing colors and the crisp weather, it’s almost impossible not to recognize it. Fall is the season with the best activities, whether it’s pumpkin picking, apple picking, playing with the leaves, celebrating Thanksgiving, and other outdoor activities, you’re sure not to be bored during the season.
One reason I like fall is because of the unpredictable weather. You never know what you’re going to get. One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to watch the leaves change color. Once they fall off the trees, I help my dad blow all the leaves into a huge pile. He attaches the leaf blower to my wheelchair and I’m able to be a part of our family’s fall cleanup! Once all the leaves are collected into giant piles, my brother and I take turns playing in them and this is one of my favorite things to do. My Quantum® Edge® 3 Wheelchair with iLevel® makes this activity easy.
In the fall, one thing I like to do with my family is visit our local farms. This entails all sorts of things including pumpkin picking, apple picking, hayrides, and other fun activities. There is always so much to do and I love seeing all the bright colors of leaves, vegetables and trees. The farm that my family went to last year is called Alstede Farms. One reason why we absolutely love that farm is because it has an accessible hayride! Your power wheelchair can drive up the ramp onto a trailer that is attached to the back of the tractor and once they strap you in, you’re good to go and are able to see the entire farm. It’s a little bumpy but it’s definitely worth it! The accessible hayride allows me to be a part of everything and go everywhere that my family goes.
My Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair is amazing on rough terrain with the SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension) and I never have any issues driving through the fields. Once we’re back from the farm with all our delicious, hand-picked fruits and vegetables, we move on to my all-time favorite thing to do: baking! The trip to the farm provides me with fresh ingredients, such as apples and pumpkins to use in pies, breads, and other yummy desserts.
With all the restrictions due to COVID-19, Thanksgiving is a little different this year. Even though we are unable to meet other family in person, we can meet virtually! I mean, that’s why video chat software was invented! Even with quarantine we can still do outdoor fall activities. That way, it doesn’t feel like you’re stuck indoors not enjoying the weather. The downside to that is everybody else has the same idea, so every place is crowded with so many people and it’s not considered safe anymore. We can still do outdoor activities, just not in crowded places. Some of the activities that are good to do are roasting marshmallows around the fire pit, going on hikes and nature walks, and doing drive-by visits with friends! With the short days, it’s perfect! It’s always fun just to spend time with family and explore the outdoors before it gets too cold.
As it gets closer to the end of fall, it becomes the time when people start getting ready for Christmas! That means decorating, which I like to do on Thanksgiving weekend! This year, because of COVID-19, people have been decorating early to give others something to smile about when they are passing by. This makes me so happy, since I love Christmas! After reading all this, I hope you know that there is no reason to feel trapped during the pandemic. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep yourself busy and entertained all season long!
About Sakina Shamsi: Sakina lives in New Jersey with her parents and brother. Although she has spinal muscular atrophy type II, Sakina lives a full and independent lifestyle. She is active in the disability community and enjoys horseback riding, baking and crafting. Click here to learn more about Sakina.