Day 263 -- Summer's ending

We are approaching the autumnal equinox when daylight and darkness last for 12 hours each and the fall season begins. Summer's end brings mixed feelings. It seems that in the northern hemisphere -- or maybe more specifically the northern part of the northern hemisphere -- we relish the summer sun and warmth, though it seems far too short. I've often said that we try to pack 12 months of living into 3 months. Summer is when our traditional vacations have occurred -- schools close for the summer months and families schedule their annual sojourns. It seems to be portrayed as the halcyon days of youth -- no responsibilities and nothing to do but relax and play. The negative feelings experienced when summer turns to autumn may be based on somewhat unreal expectations. The 'to do' lists for summer are far too long to be completed in the 3 month season, so people feel cheated that the summer weather and vacation time won't last longer.

To be honest, while I love summer, I think my favourite season is fall. I love the cooler nights. Watching the leaves change colour is delightful. The earliest of the leaves have begun to show just a hint of colour already. <smile>. Living in a part of the world that actually experiences four seasons, I can say that fall is amazing. I love walking through ankle deep leaves in the driveway and will admit to feeling just a bit sad the day they are all raked up. The rains of fall can be depressing, but signal the transition from summer to winter. For me, the 'shoulder' seasons as the travel industry has dubbed fall and spring, truly are a period of transition. As such, fall will bring warm and cold days as well as rainy and sunny days. The fluctuations in temperature and precipitation are part of the season change. Perhaps looking for the joys of each season and noting that we can do things in each time that we can't do in every season could help us accept this annual change. Yes, it does herald the coming winter, but why stress about winter when we have gorgeous fall weather all around us today? People travel from all over the  world to visit the area where I live -- just to experience the tapestry of fall colours we sometimes take for granted.

There are many songs that deal with the ending of summer with sadness. The selection I made for today, is more wistful as the lyrics recall fun activities at the end of summer. Watch for some familiar faces in this one. So, while I dig out the fall clothes and pack up the summer ones, Enjoy!

Summer Nights -- Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta with cast of Grease