I’m not sure how it happened, but pumpkins and scarecrows are beginning to appear in stores, on lawns and all over the campground. The evenings are dark and chilly. The early mornings are starlit and downright cold. I stepped out of the camper to walk Gypsy the other morning, saw my breath, and had to break out my hat and gloves. Goodbye, sweet summer.
It happened so quickly. Like Usain Bolt, time seems to be flying by in one rapid-fire blur. One minute we were enjoying September swims, and the next, we were cuddled up, trying to keep warm at fall baseball games. October kind of snuck up on me. Maybe it’s because I have come out of retirement for a short time, to pitch in at my former place of employment. I confess that I had quickly forgotten how precious spare time is when you are working a fulltime schedule. I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to be gainfully productive, but I miss my morning crosswords with coffee, long hikes and leisure time.
In truth, I am happy that time is not trudging along. Back in early May, when I knew I would be living in a truck for another full year, I began to despair. A year seemed like such an interminably, long time. It was then that I began to view this trip around the sun as an Advent-ure calendar. A calendar, of which I have already opened over 150 days filled with unforeseen wonders and unexpected twists and turns. And here I am, only seven or eight months from having a solid roof over my head again. I remain optimistic that the construction will be completed on time.
One unexpected twist was learning that my son, who has been writing for the New York Times, would be appearing on live, nationwide television discussing the Adnan Syed case, and Baltimore politics.
You just never know that is going to be behind the door of this Advent-ure calendar!
I’m so proud of his accomplishments.
“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”
― Humbert Wolfe
I don’t love the short days and the cold nights. I am not a fan of coats and layered clothing. Yet, I love fall covers, and cool air coupled with warm sun. I like harvest moons and migrating geese. I like Ginger Snaps, pumpkin ales, simmering stews and cozy blankets. I also like campers who are in the Halloween spirit.
The remnants of Hurricane Ian welcomed October to the DC area. We had some wet weather and breezy conditions. Foul weather can be arduous in an RV but we are dry and warm. Big Bertha has provided more than adequate shelter. I continue to count our many blessings.
My heart goes out to the victims of this catastrophic storm.
“It must be October, the trees are falling away and showing their true colors.”
― Charmaine J Forde
Holiday season approaches. Stay tuned….
Retired and Rambling 