My sinuses have been on high alert the past few weeks, with the (slight) cooling of the air, the rampant ragweed and the return of long sleeves (I must be allergic to fabric-covered arms). Weatherwise, we’ve had it weird this summer in my part o' Texas. In contrast to our normal four-month summer, I can remember only three or four days that it was “Africa hot” here. No matter what the thermometer says, today’s last day of summer here at the least signals a psychological shift.
Here are the sure signs summer is frantically waving goodbye in the back window of the station wagon we call seasonal change ...
• Changing colors
Leaves on the trees, different flowers bloom, and the browns, maroons and navy blues are dusted off from closets, vigorously Febreezed and worn to replace the light, bright apparel of summer and spring. I won’t stop wearing shorts, however, until my legs turn blue from the cold. I’m stubborn that way.
• Changing moods
Summer is carefree, whether actually or memorably. It’s either running after lightning bugs until your legs ache, sweating sweetly in the twilight during a game of freeze tag, or simply being able to go to work without messing with a jacket. Summer’s last holiday, Labor Day, is behind us, and our minds turn toward the ritualistic traditions of October, November, December and January. Three months ‘til Christmas, people! Move it! Move it!
• Changing schedules
Warmer weather tends to slow us down (unless we’re hurrying to reach the next air-conditioned sanctuary); cooler weather shifts us into high gear. We become frantic as our blood cools and we must run around like headless chickens to warm it back up. Most of this could be attributed to all those fall and winter traditions on the near horizon. But look at the squirrels: they’ve got no holiday cheer but can feel the cool air coming. Take a lesson from them: gather your nuts and head for the hills. Also, the end of Daylight Savings Time means late sleepers will still wake up in the dark.
• Changing activities
School started here in early August (yikes!), and the football seasons (pro, college, high school, pee wee) are rolling along. Once my allergies are under control, I’ll be able to take advantage of “running weather” to get back into shape. The trick is dressing one layer less than I think I’ll need. On a typical 3-mile jog, my body heat is the human equivalent of a pack of wild dogs. I don’t wear gloves because my hands sweat (TMI?) while running, but a long-sleeve shirt can serve as temporary hand-warmers until I reach that point. Most of us are also least likely to attempt to get a sun tan. Maybe this should be under the chaning colors header: us white folks tend to get even whiter unless we fake bake or get can-tan. I won't have to mow the lawn, but I'll keep my mulching mower going to crunch up the fallen leaves for a batch of free fertilizer (which is also what the neighbors' dog leaves in my yard).
What does the start of fall mean to you, and how’s the weather over there?
Over here in Southern CA, the summer was a bit cooler than usual as well. ?
Today, we got the Santa Ana winds and it's kind of cool (as of this morning.) Suppose to be in the 70's. Very dry and windy.
We almost had to put the heater on last night, but I was to stubborn to give in to the cold YET. But summer is gone as well as my tan. I'm sad.
Well, I am where you are, so not much different over here ;). I love fall! The air smells different, I can hear the high school marching band in the morning (if the wind blows just right, so that brings back good memories), the sky is that bright blue, and the sun shadows are different. I "feel" better, more alert. Yes, the sinuses are awful, but my headaches are better, thank God. I can't wait for cooler weather! Bring it on! Oh. And it also means.....HOMEWORK. Lots of it. So much that I want to run away. :P
Goodbye summer. no more bbq's, swimming, sun bathing.....
but fall is so beautiful, especially here in washington state. you should see all the colors.
xxxoooo
To me, Fall means FINALLY!!! This is the season I wait for all year long! I love the cool, not cold weather, the big fluffy clouds, the foilage(although it's not as great in OR as it was in MO or IL), Haunted Houses, Sweaters, etc.....
Plus...the anticipation of Christmas building-I love that! :)
i cant wait! i love it, love it, love it!
Although it has been for Texas standards anyways a mild summer I am still anxious for much cooler weather to trinkle in our neck of the woods!!!
I suffer from severe allergies as well. It's been a pretty miserable week.
It's gotten into the 50's here the past couple of nights, which is heavenly. Fall is my favorite season, but this one is a little bittersweet because of the hockey lock-out. (I know - that's pathetic...)
seriously now- how cold does it really get in Texas...
I bet my summer here in NY was colder than your winter will be!
I am stocking up, bundling up, and getting ready to hibernate....
:)
A-A-aCHOOO!! What were you saying about the ragweed?
Well, it's almost time for me to retire my favorite pair of shorts lest I start snowblinding people again...
Fall here means short skirts, open windows, and weekends at the beach. Hooray California!
Here in our part of SoCal we still need the a/c during the day but its too cold at night to leave the windows open. I'm sooo happy for the cooler evenings since it was one long, hot, pregnant summer for me.
We don't have *too* many color changes here, but enough that I can eagerly anticipate the golden ginkgo trees.
I'm just excited that its cool enough in the evenings to be able to put my newborn in his little beanie that says "boob man".