The Beginning of Autumn

In the last couple of days, we've noticed a distinct climate change. Humidity has dropped. The air feels more inviting, and the sun less punishing. At night, we enjoy the cool air as it breezes through the porch windows.

The fireflies are starting to visit us again. We see them in the distance, flashes of light in the forest. They provide hours of entertainment for the cats.

The cats, meanwhile, are spending more of their time lounging on the porch, usually perched on the jacuzzi cover, carefully aligned with the sun's beams, and generously donating their furballs to the hopeless cause of vaccuming.

The grass doesn't need to be cut every 4 days. The flowers are not shrinking in an attempt to minimize the sun's impact. Instead, they are blooming in all their glory. This makes for happy butterflies and hummingbirds.

I can now go for walks through the woods, without fear of sunstroke or attack by mosquito squadrons.

I can start to light off some of the hundreds of candles that have been accumulating in the house. Every time I go to the mall, three or four more follow me home. It's a conundrum.

I can start enjoying a cup of hot cocoa in the evening while watching the fireflies.

I can dust off my telescope and go outside to watch the comets, asteroid showers, and autumn moon.

I am a happy camper.