Autumnal Equinox

I concede. I give. I acknowledge that it is officially the first day of fall.

 

I know it's fall, because I emptied my 'leave-for-the-beach-in-a-minute-bag'. I pack it mid-June with all the necessities to make a 9 a.m. decision to leave for the hook with the boys. The usual fare is sunscreen, wipes, extra contacts, stashed money, goggles and sunglasses. As I cleaned it today, I found a packs of 1/2 eaten cookies, a processed package of 'Queso' dip, shells of various sizes, about a pound of sand, lots of plastic utensils and an empty bottle of sunscreen.

 

I know it's fall because the morning air is crisp, and although comfortable, it does not hold the promise of a hot, sun filled day that forces us to float in cool bodies of water - which I prefer to comfortable.

 

I know it's fall because classes, clubs and teams that we are involved with start up again and my calendar is busting with scribbles that send our family rushing in several different directions. Although the activities we pick are carefully selected for their value to our lives, they bring an abupt end to the question 'what should we do today?' 

 

I'll admit that fall is a pretty season. But, it still heralds winter and for that I will always hold it responsible. I will redeem this time wisely and use the seasonal weather as a backdrop to those scribbles on the calendar.

 

Fall will be fine.    

 

"Our fear of death is like our fear that summer will be short,

but when we have had our swing of pleasure, our fill of fruit,

and our swelter of heat, we say we have had our day."

- John Donne, 1620