This upcoming week will mark the fourth week since I've been back at school. One month of getting reacquainted with campus life, figuring out a balanced work schedule, and begrudgingly buying textbooks. Fall is one of those transition seasons when everything feels as though it's shifting; it's also the season that seems to go by the quickest. I think my senior anxiety is starting to kick in because every time I blink my eyes another day is ending. Where is the time going? And why can't I grasp it just for a little longer?

Being a fall baby myself, I'm dying to soak in everything before winter comes a knockin'. My dear friend Ashley recommended an apple orchard located further out east on Long Island that we could explore.

We drove a little over an hour from Hofstra to Harbes Farm & Orchard in Riverhead, NY. Under a glorious blue sky, we were each given a 1/4 peck bag to fill with our selections.

This friendly farmer invited us to hop on the Apple Express!

**Thinking about all the fruit that's about to be mine!**

He dropped us off closer to where the best selection would be.

Kevin quickly found some Fuji apples to enjoy.

Judging by my stance, I'd say they're pretty incredible apples!

Everyone knows that you have to work for the best ones at the top!

We all reunited to compare our finds!

Stopping for a group shot before snacking at the barn! There was so much to choose from, and we all had a hard time deciding.

In my typical carbohydrate queen fashion, I chose a cider doughnut. I was a little overzealous and devoured half of it before I had the chance to snap a pic...

Kevin particularly liked the candied apple!

Driving a little ways down the road, we came to our next stop--another location owned and operated by the Harbes family.

Here there was much fall splendor for sale! Beautiful wreaths, flowers, and pumpkins all in those familiar harvest colors!

Sunflowers always remind me of one of my childhood homes in Georgia. The strong, hot rays down there made the location perfect for the plants in our yard to grow as tall as me!

We quickly discovered that this place was geared more towards children and families...

But hey! There's a child in all of us!

Plus laughing at yourself is good for the soul :)

It was truly a wonderful day spent with the best of friends! Any of my Hofstra or NY friends should most definitely pay a visit to the apple orchards on the island!

Alright fall, I'm officially ready for you!