After The Fall

Sure. It all seems so pleasant and unassuming at the moment. Looking out my window, there is not a cloud in the sky. Truly beautiful. But, the air has a slight chill. A hint of what is to come.

The weather stopped being warm a few weeks ago. The turn came in late August. Snap! Just like that. One morning, I awoke to this scene.

A gray day. An ominous cloud stretching across the sky. Gray days are nothing new here. But, coupled with the change in temperature, the falling leaves, and the sun's rapidly advancing march South, the signs all pointed toward the impending dormant cycle. So, I took the picture above to illustrate the change. But, this is what I really saw.

Seasons shift rapidly here. Although technically Fall now, it seems as though we've moved past it already. The leaves just need to catch up. The final nail in the coffin will be when all the outdoor seating areas at cafes and restaurants are disassembled and put away until next year. I hear that will take place in mid-October. Then, outdoor life here will slow down noticeably. And it will all be about dressing in layers. Crisp morning air. Frost. Runny noses. Hot chocolate!

Still, on a day like this, I think Winter just got pushed back a bit. But, it's out there. Waiting.

UPDATE: Okay, we're in Day 2 of Indian Summer. Who knew?