Letting go of fall

As expected, fall was far too short and winter is here far too soon. This fall was perfect for a birthday picnic at the National Arboretum, the mixing of new friends and old, trying out the "best new sandwich in America" (doubt it), walks involving the carrying of large sticks, and learning to feel at home here in DC. Now, to winter and a brand new year. And learning to appreciate the cold (impossible).

Almost fall

(Photo taken last year during our first East Coast fall.)

It is hard to believe it is the end of October when it is 85 degrees with 90% humidity. It is getting warmer and the rain is coming less, and sometimes I completely forget what month it is. Like, it could be the middle of summer and I wouldn't know.

This morning David and I woke up early and went for a jog around the neighborhood. We left our house while it was still dark and tried our best to dodge the sleeping dogs and potholes. David said something about how there weren't as many people around as usual. I joked that maybe they all knew about a big rainstorm coming in that we didn't (this happens all the time).

Then it started to rain. "This isn't too bad. Remember that time in Costa Rica? That was way worse." Then it started to rain harder. And harder. After a few minutes, we were completely soaked. The rain pounded our bodies and the nasty gutter water overflowed onto our legs. We passed by people huddled under overhangs, wondering what the crazy white people were doing out in the storm.

And though we looked ridiculous (almost forgot to mention we were matching in black tank tops and red shorts), it was great. It felt cold, and the sky was dark and cloudy, and it felt like fall. At this point, I'll take what I can get.

Spoooooooky

It's getting spooky around here. The church down the street even put on a nice orange-y glow in honor of Halloween. 

We're going to soak up the beautiful fall weather in Boston and Cape Cod. Be back in a few days!

This is fall

Okay, okay, I know I'm a nerd. But, to me, this is perfect. 

This summer we stopped through SLO and had brunch with our dear friends. One of the high points? Looking across at Jen and realizing that her nails were the exact fall hues of her dress. That isn't nail polish, but paint that happened to stick to her fingernails so perfectly. The colors! It was a sign. Fall would come. The trees, on their way to nakedness, would encourage their leaves to change from reds and oranges to yellows and browns. And now, now that fall is here, we get to be the witnesses. 

Welcome, Fall

(David and Half Dome.)

Goodbye, Summer. I have enjoyed your silliness and your carefree ways. But, you see, to me you are but a step on the way to the most beloved season of all: Fall. 

Fall with its pumpkins, lattes, blankets, colors, scarves and birthdays (mine! David's! Gee's! Dad's!). Fall with its coats, candles, boots and leaves. Welcome, Fall. Now, please start making the weather cooperate. Scarves are no good when it is 80 degrees.