Finally – fall is in the air

We knew it would come, but couldn’t wait. Comfortable temperatures have arrived. We grumbled through August, as we always do, impatient for cooler temperatures. Each August, we declare it was the worst yet.

We transplants made a bargain with the devil — we would savor sunny, comfortable winters in our Florida homes, but had to endure the hot, humid months of summer and sometimes even a hurricane.

As the season changes, we can’t help but remember our former homes. For many of us, that is “up North,” where fall was far different, treating us to a dramatic transition into winter. The beauty of changing colors in the trees and the smell of raked leaves burning in small piles were a treat. But we did not enjoy what followed — challenging temperatures and snowfall. The first snow was fun, but it got tiresome pretty darn fast.

Fall in Florida is different, but it is still a transition. For the Andersons, it is porch time. We do not spend much time on the porch during the hot summer months, but the porch becomes our favorite room in the house come fall, winter, and spring.

The garden is clearly ready to call it a day. My colorful plants have given their all. So goodbye to the plants that have had their run, making way for the chrysanthemums now available at our favorite garden centers.

Our two dogs welcomed the first walk in a long time. They are used to running free in our fenced backyard, but it is more fun to walk with Mom and check out the neighborhood.

We know what’s coming: the trifecta — Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the big one — Christmas. For each holiday, we will bring out our traditional decorations. Pumpkins, a skeleton, and a favorite witch get pulled out of the closet once fall is officially here.

Change of season means a wardrobe adjustment. Florida’s season change is easy compared to the drama of preparing for northern winters. In the “up North” days, we prepared for the cold with sweaters, coats, gloves, hats, and scarves. Not in Florida. We put away the bright colors of summer, flip-flops, and swimsuits. Colors become more subtle, and we favor layers as we adjust to cooler temperatures.

Still, when the temperatures finally drop, the porch beckons, the dogs want to go for a walk, and the chrysanthemums appear at the garden center, life is good.

Dickie Anderson is a freelance writer, community volunteer, and author. She can be reached at dickie.anderson@gmail.com.