Blue skiles on a rural Deptember day.
Ah, September, that very changeable month that closes out summer with the first signs of cooler weather finally showing that fall will soon be on the way. I remember growing up in Tidewater Virginia where the month started out blistering hot but soon it began to cool dramatically. The days were still warm but that one morning came and as you walked out the door on the way to school in a short sleeved shirt, you quickly realized it was chilly. But, of course, the variations were and are dramatic depending on where in America we live, for in New England it can be somewhat colder than nippy while in Florida September can often be the hottest month of the year.
I remember one September years ago when we went to visit friends in New England. The change of seasons was already well underway and the smell of fireplace smoke filled the air west of Boston. Windbreakers were definitely in order and I was pleased at that point in my life to see a game at Fenway Park. If you've never seen the Big Green Monster which grabs your attention out in left field from the moment you enter the stadium, you've missed something. In my personal case, I was also able to check off one item on my bucket list early in life. I was glad, however, to have that windbreaker for it was breezy and downright chilly but we temporarily forgot about it when the Red Sox came from behind in the ninth to win a squeaker. Then, to put the icing on the cake for the day, we had fresh lobster for dinner.
Moving to Florida brought a different experience for September. We went with a group on a Sunday to see a football game at the Big Sombrero which was the home of the Buccaneers. Now I was a Redskins fan back in my day of loving the NFL and the 'Skins were coming to town. But sitting in the sun in the stifling heat, I noticed that even the players looked lethargic and the Redskins proved to be more so and lost. So, midway through the third period, we opted to return to our charter bus and watch the game with a few adult refreshments in the comfort of air conditioning. Later, on the way home we visually realized just how hot it had been for when our shirts completely dried, they literally had salt lines. So much for football in September for this old boy.
Even in Florida, however, there are just a few signs in September of the change that is to come. While it's not really cool, the early mornings become more bearable while doing my for my horse chores and unless the tropics has something underway the humidity is much lower. It tells me that change is coming and it usually arrives with the first small cold front that makes it through about the second week in October. Oh, Florida is still quite warm after that and often stays that way all the way to January, but it's very pleasant and you can breathe and not have to take a shower every time you come back in the house. In the warm, not hot, and very pleasant sunshine who wants to come inside? It's why people come here, to enjoy a pleasant and mild, although occasionally cold in winter, time of sunshine and joy. It's at that time we call it God's Country. Now all I have to do is make it until I awaken to mornings in the mid-60s instead of mid-70s and I'll know we're there.
So, happy September, everyone, wherever you roam. Just don't forget to keep your eyes on the Atlantic for it is also a time of wet surprises. Don't let one sneak up on you.
I remember one September years ago when we went to visit friends in New England. The change of seasons was already well underway and the smell of fireplace smoke filled the air west of Boston. Windbreakers were definitely in order and I was pleased at that point in my life to see a game at Fenway Park. If you've never seen the Big Green Monster which grabs your attention out in left field from the moment you enter the stadium, you've missed something. In my personal case, I was also able to check off one item on my bucket list early in life. I was glad, however, to have that windbreaker for it was breezy and downright chilly but we temporarily forgot about it when the Red Sox came from behind in the ninth to win a squeaker. Then, to put the icing on the cake for the day, we had fresh lobster for dinner.
Moving to Florida brought a different experience for September. We went with a group on a Sunday to see a football game at the Big Sombrero which was the home of the Buccaneers. Now I was a Redskins fan back in my day of loving the NFL and the 'Skins were coming to town. But sitting in the sun in the stifling heat, I noticed that even the players looked lethargic and the Redskins proved to be more so and lost. So, midway through the third period, we opted to return to our charter bus and watch the game with a few adult refreshments in the comfort of air conditioning. Later, on the way home we visually realized just how hot it had been for when our shirts completely dried, they literally had salt lines. So much for football in September for this old boy.
Even in Florida, however, there are just a few signs in September of the change that is to come. While it's not really cool, the early mornings become more bearable while doing my for my horse chores and unless the tropics has something underway the humidity is much lower. It tells me that change is coming and it usually arrives with the first small cold front that makes it through about the second week in October. Oh, Florida is still quite warm after that and often stays that way all the way to January, but it's very pleasant and you can breathe and not have to take a shower every time you come back in the house. In the warm, not hot, and very pleasant sunshine who wants to come inside? It's why people come here, to enjoy a pleasant and mild, although occasionally cold in winter, time of sunshine and joy. It's at that time we call it God's Country. Now all I have to do is make it until I awaken to mornings in the mid-60s instead of mid-70s and I'll know we're there.
So, happy September, everyone, wherever you roam. Just don't forget to keep your eyes on the Atlantic for it is also a time of wet surprises. Don't let one sneak up on you.
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