ThankFALL Thursday

See what I did there?

It's funny, because this week I am giving thanks for the wondrousness that is fall in the South.

For as long as I can remember, fall has been my favorite season.  I read a quote in Southern Living that said fall is a Southerner's reward for surviving summer, and that couldn't be more true.  Everyone is maniacally excited to shed their winter coats at the beginning of beach season, but by the end of August, the entire population of the South is lying prostrate in front of their air conditioning vents, melting into a pool of their own perspiration, begging the good Lord to deliver them from face melting temperatures and oppressive humidity.

And then comes the beginning of October, with its brief, rejuvenating snap of cool weather, followed by week upon week of utter mid 60s-low 80s perfection.  It is still warm enough to squeeze in a last few moments with your favorite summer dresses, but the days cool down enough to justify boots and a light cardigan.  It's not so cold that you have to cover up your perfect fall ensemble with a bulky coat, and the nights are made for sitting around a fire pit and tying on whimsical scarves.

I never realized just how glorious fall in the South is until I moved to Washington.  In short order, I developed a Pavlovian response to the calendar turning to September.  Except instead of drooling, I whimpered into my wooly socks and bid a heartbroken farewell to the sun for the next six months.  I survived the cold, damp, grey days for two fall seasons and by the end of those two short years, "fall" had become a dirty word in our household.  We just didn't talk about it.  And I decided to take my cancery risks in the tanning bed in an effort not to kill myself in much quicker ways.

But now we are back in the South, and I am rejoicing in the beautiful weather that we've been experiencing and that will be coming our way for another month or so before the much cooler winter temperatures set in.  I don't know what the Air Force has in store for our next assignment, so for now I'll just revel in each day of perfect Southern autumn that I'm given, and dream of the day when I'll never have to dread fall again!

Comments

[Elizabeth]

Southern falls are indeed sublime. I was about to crack after having yet another humid, low 90s day in October, but the worst of it is gone, and we're left with these beautiful breezy days!

[Molly]

I am relishing every moment of Fall before heading up to the frozen tundra. :)

(this post is really well written, girly)

[Jessica]

Love this. I've never been to the South in fall. Perhaps I need to check this out. I do miss having my summer clothes!

[erin - heart in ireland]

I am absolutely LOVING my first Charleston fall. And even today when it was chilly was still gorgeous and nice to be out!