Having just returned from vacation, I felt somehow I had missed the transition from late summer into fall. When I left the D.C. region it was hot and humid; upon my return it was 50 degrees and drizzly. For a whole week. Flip and Tiki were stir crazy, and I was sick as a dog. Luckily, the past few days were just what the doctor ordered, and Sunday went so far as to fall into the category of "The Perfect Fall Day." Crisp clean air, azure blue cloudless sky, brilliant sunshine on leaves turning color and swirling on a cool breeze. The dogs were champing at the bit, and I was onboard with the program!

This was a day for getting up and outdoors early for a long, leisurely walk. The pups love this time of year as they are not plagued by heat, humidity and bugs. This combo works just as well for us humans, too. Our walk took us through the stream valley, where we flushed out a herd of deer, much to the dogs delight!

Not having ventured along that path for some time, we were pleased to see that the entire trail was in process of being overhauled, a good sign for many more scenic autumnal hikes to come. As usual, we continued on our walk, we traipsed through the Sarah Walker Mercer Park in Vienna to see what seasonal changes were taking place there, and Flip and Tiki took advantage of the abundant sunshine to sit and relax on one of the park benches. As we made our way home, we passed plenty of folks raking leaves and planting colorful fall Mums. Just a friendly reminder I also needed to get on the ball with end-of-season yard work.

Back at home, the pups enjoyed a treat of crisp, juicy apple slices from one of the local orchards. There are plenty of You-Pick apple orchards and pumpkin patches around Virginia and Maryland, and if you're looking for a fun outing on a perfect fall day, checkout Hollins Farm in Delaplane, which welcomes well-behaved dogs on leash (apparently they are not familiar with my two heathens). Not only do they have assorted apples, but Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins, gourds and fall greens such as bok choy and brocolli rabe. Since discovering that Flip and Tiki love sweet crunchy apples, I plan to stock up this fall for some healthy snacking.

Realizing the leaves weren't going to rake themselves, I decided it was the perfect day for getting started on this season-long chore. Surprisingly, halfway through the dreaded leaf and pine needle season, I don't have such a sunny, optimistic attitude. At least I have the dogs to entertain and "assist" me. Unfortunately their idea of fun involves running through my neatly raked piles and peeing on them. However, if you are looking for any excuse to avoid leaf raking, then you may want to grab the pooches and head for The Corn Maze In The Plains (Virginia). Touted as the premier corn maze in Northern Virginia, they do allow dogs on leash as long as you keep them under your control at all times, and recommend you bring water for them.

While we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves outside on this gorgeous day, the magic hour of 1 p.m. was rapidly approaching, and that could only mean ... Redskins football! So, the furry kids and I headed inside for one of our all-time favorite fall rituals: football and chili and beer. Not that it was a sign of how the game was going mind you, but after all that fresh, crisp air and outdoor activity, the dogs did fall asleep by the fire after half time. Unfortunately, this is where the Perfect Fall Day lost a little of its luster, thanks to Vick and the Eagles.

Hopefully there are a few more classic autumn days to come before we are out there shoveling snow!