October = Fall

Unless you live in Florida. We don't have fall, we have the "less rainy season", which falls between "dry season" (otherwise known as winter) and "rainy season" (known as summer). Since hurricane season goes through the end of November, we usually still have some rain, just not every afternoon anymore. Late October usually has some perfect days weather-wise - low 80's and sunny, not too hot and not too cold - the ones that make me say "This is why I love living in Florida." It makes me forget about the long, hot days of summer just past and the shorter, colder days to come.

Fall brings back memories of pumpkins and hot apple cider, hayrides and bonfires, football games and Homecoming celebrations. It's a time to look ahead to the upcoming holiday season and start making plans for the celebrations sure to be occuring with either family or friends.

There aren't many things I miss about living in the midwest or north (except my family of course!!), but I must say that the changing of the leaves to the brilliant fall colors is one that I do miss. The funny thing is, I didn't even realize I missed it until several years ago when we drove up to visit my sister and her family in Virginia right when the leaves were changing. It was so beautiful and I realized that I did miss those gorgeous red, orange, and yellow leaves of fall. I think it would be lovely to visit the northeast, like Vermont, during the peak of the color change - I bet it's breath-taking.

So on this first day of October, I wish a happy Fall to everyone! I think I'll go bake a pumpkin pie...