Anyone else tired of Sunny with a high of 100 and a humidity somehow defying laws of fundamental physics? I AM. I'm over it. Completely over it. Highs that only get into the 60s and a nip in the air that warrants long sleeves is starting to slowly creep in, and I for one am for it.
Sure a few months from now when I can see my breath, on a sunny day, at noon, I will ask myself why in the hell I ever wished this weather away. It happens every time. But just like an Alzheimer's patient here I stand yet again, staring autumn right in the face and telling God to bring it on. Thank 6 pound 8 ounce baby Jesus for this weather! It's time for staying under blankets and having the feeling that they weigh 100 pounds and are keeping you in bed against your will (if you own a Martha Washington blanket you understand). It's time for soups for dinner. It's time for looking outside on a sunny day and not feeling guilty for that nonsensical "you're not taking advantage of the day" talk. It's time for 6 am in middle Tennessee to mirror Ireland, that damp, foggy aura of climatic apathy.
You take a look outside and experience weather like this and it's no wonder that Seattle produces moody rock music. You would too. And yet I'm ready for everything that comes with it too. I'm ready for the leaves to fall en masse. I'm ready for curling up with a blanket and my wife and staying out of the cold. I'm ready for football to kick into high gear (oh and the American kind too). I'm ready for that annual pilgrimage to Jackson's Orchard with the Beltons and that excited look on Evan's face when we get there. I'm ready for E to experience a college football game in Bowling Green. I'm just ready.
And I apologize to those of you who are putting away your bathing suits until next year. I'm sorry that trips to the beach are no longer an option. I'm sorry that for the most part the grills are being put away.... and the golf clubs too. I'm sorry that your shorts are no longer an option....and the flip flops too. For those of you that may suffer, even mildly, from Seasonal Affective Disorder, for you I am also truly and deeply sorry.
But it's time. And I'm ready. Bring on the fall. The warm and vibrant colors that work so well to neutralize the cool breeze and dark sky. The hot chocolate, hot coffee, hot soup, hot tea, warm fire (or in our case gas powered heat). After all, "there is a time for everything and a season for every purpose under heaven" (Eccl 3:1).
So it'll be casual dress at work that will see shorts for the last time this year, then it's off to Fairfield for the last 54 holes perhaps of the year, and maybe a 70 degree day or two while we're there on the golf vacation. And then it'll really be over, and I'm ready, and it's time.
Autumn, it'll be good to see you again when I get back. We've got some catching up to do.
