We’re just about halfway through August, and it occurred to me yesterday that autumn is only a month away. And this year, that is cause for me to celebrate.

You see, for the past six years, I’ve been living down in the southeastern corner of the United States, in the State of Georgia. For my overseas readers, that’s just above Florida. And it’s hot there. It’s even mild in January and February, which — to us northern hemisphere folks, at least — is just not normal. (Sorry, my Aussie and Kiwi friends.)

In case you haven’t been following my recent movements, I am now back in the great Commonwealth of Virginia (yes, it’s a state, but it’s called a commonwealth; I don’t know why, it’s a history thing, so we just accept it). Now, Virginia is not exactly “north” — it’s not Canada, after all —but it’s far enough north of Georgia to make a big difference in climate.

Yes, it’s still bloody hot here in the summer; but it’s been that way everywhere this year. It’s the other three seasons that are noticeably different, and autumn (or fall, if you prefer) has always been my favorite. I haven’t seen a real fall in six years, and I am hopping-up-and-down excited for this one.

That’s when the humidity drops, the air begins to smell crisp and clean, and even the sky seems to be a brighter shade of blue. The leaves on the trees turn the most incredible shades of orange, red, yellow and purple; people (myself included) decorate their homes inside and out with chrysanthemums and pumpkins; we pull out the extra blankets and the cozy woolen clothes; and we start making soups and stews and drinking hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange and thinking about Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the December holidays . . .

You see what I mean?

Andy Williams used to sing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” about Christmas. But to me, it’s the approach to the winter season that gets my blood circulating, and sends me outdoors for long walks after hibernating in air-conditioned comfort all summer.

And while the weather may not turn chilly precisely on the official date of the autumnal equinox, I know it’s right around the corner. And I am beyond thrilled to be far enough north to experience it again.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/14/26