Ode to Fall

An area of low pressure to our north has pulled a cold front over the Florida Keys, sweeping away the rain that has occupied our days for the past week. Right now, the temperature is in the mid 70s, there is a cool breeze blowing and clear blue, sunny skies have replaced the gloomy and ominous skies of the past several days.

Yikes, I sound like a weather reporter!

Yesterday was the first day we had seen the sunshine in a week. While the rainy weather suited me fine, I was relieved that the sun had come back to dry up the puddles (more like lakes) and that the birds and butterflies were back to fluttering around the open areas of my school. It felt like the seasons had snapped. Like summer had finally loosened its grip and allowed fall’s cool embrace to move in.

I opened our windows throughout the house this morning for the first time since we’ve lived in the keys. The fresh air rushed in like a wave and I could feel fall all around me. I know that this is wishful thinking. We don’t really have seasons here. The Florida Keys have to be one of the sunniest and warmest places year round. And we’re the closest you'll get to the equator while still being in the United States. And, although I grew up in the Sunshine State and knew very little of changing seasons, living in Virginia for 5 years has changed that and this lovely, fall weather has me wanting more!

Gone are the days (at least for the next 2 years) of apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Of driving out to Sky Meadows Park to see the leaves change color. Of day trips to the wineries and reveling in the rolling countryside. No more scarves or boots or layers of clothing.

I never thought I’d say this, but…I miss it. I do. Don’t get me wrong, I love it here. And when the north is getting pounded with snowstorms and cold rain, I’ll be especially happy to be close to that equator! But fall, oh fall! I always loved this time of year in Virginia.

So for now, I am going to enjoy these 2 or 3 days of cool weather. I won’t take it for granted. Lots of time will be spent outside and I may even make an apple crisp or pumpkin soup! I will remember with fondness our fall days spent in Virginia and soak up these days here in the Keys.