It’s the most wonderful time of the year

It’s cold here.

Not frigid, or even really wintry, but today marked the first day of real fall weather, igniting nostalgic feelings of yellow school busses, crunching leaves, pumpkins on the stoops of a gray and orange neighborhood. A few small snowflakes even fell this morning amidst the raindrops, reminding me that this was not just a misplaced cold, rainy day, but the beginning of the new season.

I walk the dogs this morning in the dark, in the light rain, and think it will warm up this afternoon. I watch the rain fall, wind blow and clouds roll throughout the day, adding to the dream-like quality of my jet-lagged brain. I wear knee-high boots, an autumn colored skirt and long, heavy sleeves to work. I leave the gym in a sweaty tank top, running to my car, wishing for a jacket. I walk the dogs again, in yoga pants and a sweat shirt with the hood on and sleeves pulled over my fingers. The dogs find this change in weather, invigorating, I can tell by the extra pep in Jola’s step. I wash dishes in the hottest water possible, and steam rises from the pans and glasses onto the window, fogging up my reflection.

I feel cozy. Familiar and nostalgic. A longing in my heart for a warm, well-lit house to come home to, reminding me of my favorite memories of the first few weeks of school; before the cold weather and snow set in to make the journey annoying and uncomfortable, school was exciting and fun. Fall is the time that reminds me of the fun parts of childhood, reminds me of the beauty in changing seasons, reminds me of the spicy warmth of fire and family.

After the walk and a trip to the grocery store, I come home and make chocolate chip cookies and sit by the fire in a darkened living room. Myla has never seen a fire, so she is nervously staring at the flames, inching closer and then backing away quickly every few seconds. I think forward to when it snows, and how fun it will be to introduce jumpy little My to the cold, white powder. The house is slowly warming up with the heater, and I can feel crisp drafts in the back by the door and in the kitchen or near windows. I think about de-winterizing the house and the pain that will be. Do I need to blow out the hose and sprinklers? I don’t know how to do that, but like the idea of not having to water everyday.

I think more about what comes with the change in weather- holidays, overtime at work, holiday shopping, shoveling snow and warming up the car. I get a bit overwhelmed, then instead turn my thoughts to some of my best runs ever, almost all which involve running in crisp fall weather with golden leaves and warm sun rays lighting my path down 17th Avenue. I put on my slippers and sit by the fire, knowing there is nothing to do but relax and write and be cozy with the weather.