A Bouquet of Freshly Sharpened Pencils
byAs Vancouverites, we accept 10 months of rain and mild weather. We come to live with the fact that if there’s frost on the ground, no one can drive properly and if it’s rainy from October to June… at least there will be sun in July and August. This year I don’t think Mother Nature lived up to her end of the bargain.
There were highlights this summer, a couple beach days and a mini trip to the Okanagan but somehow it feels like the season is almost gone and I don’t have enough of a tan to show for it. Also, about a dozen people I know (including myself) have come down with a cold or flu… in the middle of August, what gives? Of course, summer lasts well into September but with Labour Day fast approaching and the kiddies going back to school, I feel a little ripped off. Surprisingly, I think I’m okay with that because I’ve come to the realization that I actually, honestly, truly love autumn.
I love watching the leaves change, wearing cute sweaters, drinking a warm beverage while wrapping both my hands around the cup, and buying more closed-toe shoes (much to my husband’s chagrin). The air smells crisp, there are no forest fire threats, and when you step out of the house to head to work, a visible puff of your breath leads you out the door and down the street.
Thanksgiving, raking leaves, turkey, scary movies, Halloween, what’s not to love about the time of year that’s fast-approaching? Sure I haven’t had enough summer and I don’t even get to go back to school shopping to make up for my lack of sun exposure, but I’m not going to complain. Vancouver autumns are beautiful and I’m lucky enough to have experienced two of New England’s as well.
When the frost comes out and the walk to work in heels because a sidewalk balancing act, maybe we’ll be able to jet off and fly South. Escaping, just as super hot and sunny days have done to us this year.
In true Miss604 fashion I couldn’t just leave this post as-is; I had to add a poll.
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12 Comments — Comments Are Closed
I am totally with you on that one, Becky. I do love the summer and all it has to offer, but i’m a fall/winter/spring kinda girl. All those sentiments you shared, I could repeat…but I won’t. Sweaters, rain and warm mugs of tea of some great things. And of course, lest we not forget…Halloween. And ya KNOW I ain’t talkin’ about the holiday! What a way to say good-bye to a horrific summer than with a kick-ass movie…
Looking at the fall line of clothes gets me excited! Love the colours and the SUBSTANCE of fall clothing.
Having a staggeringly large and cheerful umbrella makes 9 months of non-stop precipitation (in some form) more bearable. =)
Hmmm…. I’m divided. On the one hand, fall allows me to dress fashionably. On the other hand, I don’t think I had had a chance to wear shorts and sandals in previous years (I used to be a jeans and loafers kind of guy). So, I’m sort of annoyed that the summer has been short but well, I’ll welcome the fall and winter with open arms (and rain gear).
By the way, I always like your writing but this post is particularly poetic 😀
Although I do enjoy the normally decent weather we get over the summer, I agree that fall has more character (for lack of a better term) to it. The colours are fantastic (Spring is okay, but just doesn’t have the same feel in my opinion). The temperatures are far more palatable (I can dress to warm up in cooler days, but I doubt anyone wants me to go au naturel in the summer – and Raul, whats wrong with shorts and sandals in the fall?).
Have you ever driven around in the fall and seen those huge piles of leaves on the corner of the sidewalk? Every time I see some I just naturally start to veer towards the curb. I think that’s because every time I see them it reminds me of how awesome it was to rake leaves into a massive pile and jump into them, wasting all your time for one sweet sweet landing.
I miss the beautiful autumns in south-central Ontario and in Minnesota.
I told you guys – I miss the changes in seasons, but if it’s +16C and sunny on the beach here in the middle of (southern) winter, I ain’t complainin’.
Yeah, I’m a fall/winter guy too. I’m a warm person, and there are periods in the summer when I’m just too damned hot. There’s comfort in always being able to add an extra blanket, but when you’re naked on your couch and you’re hot as hell in 30C, I find it a bit uncomfortable.
If you want to see real autumn, head out to Ottawa to see the leaves. It’s truly amazing!
I think this summer has been a crappy one with the rains and all but I’m looking forward to fall, winter & spring since you can still do lots outdoor activities in these 3 seasons.
I thought I was the only one……
love fall love long sleeves and layers. i do love my tank tops but i like fall the best. being from Ontario ONLY sucks in the fall i miss the leave change of the east but fall and spring are my favourties now that i don’t live in the north as well.
Chris,
I’m too much of a wimp to wear sandals and shorts in the fall. I think the latest I’m going to be able to do this kind of summer gear will be early October. Late in October or early November, I’m already wearing turtleneck sweaters and jackets. Sorry, I was used to think that 15 oC was already freezing temperature 😀
Although I can’t help but agree with Duane, 30 oC can be too hot. 😀
I loved the flickr photo so much, that I went and made it one of my “favorites” on flickr. It feels so…Canadian!
I too am an autumn person. My fondest memories of my “last days in Vancouver” are of September and October on the UBC campus, walking from B lot to my first classes, and then walking around on campus in the fine weather.