Finally, fall is in the air. We welcome the cooler mornings but not the dark and sometimes foggy mornings. We always think the summer just past was the worst and hottest, and this year was no exception. Truly a long, hot summer. As we welcome our Florida fall, many of us remember the change of season in our former homes. There were good things and bad things about fall in northern climes. The beauty of leaves changing to brilliant reds, yellows, and browns was always a visual treat. Depending on the weather, the colorful display ends too soon, and now winter is knocking on the door. I do have fond memories of raking leaves, children jumping into the piles of leaves and the aroma of burning leaves.
Florida fall. Some things are the same. There is yard clean-up. Northern Florida has some falling leaves and nuts from the oak and hickory trees. Gone are the bright flowers of summer, only to be replaced by chrysanthemums in yellows, magentas, and lavenders. My front porch pots give up their impatiens and geraniums and welcome the mums. Out come my Halloween decorations: pumpkins, witches, skeletons, and the traditional door wreath in fall colors — orange, brown, and green.
Soon, the holiday parade will begin — first Halloween and Thanksgiving, followed by the big one — Christmas. As we rotate through the holidays, we enjoy some of North Florida's nicest weather. We try not to gloat as we watch the first snow storms visit the Northeast and Midwest. Many of us remember scraping ice off our windshields and dealing with slippery roads.
Change of season means wardrobe adjustment. Florida season change is easy compared to the drama of preparing for northern winters. We prepared for the cold with sweaters, coats, gloves, hats, and scarves, not in Florida. In Florida, we put away the bright colors of summer, flip-flops, and swimsuits. Cooler temperatures are easily handled — layers. Jackets or sweaters are all we need.
Part of the arrival of fall for the Anderson household is football. We are big fans and plan our schedules around the big games. Hope springs eternal as we root for our favorite college and pro teams. There are changes in our eating habits, too. Out comes the Instant Pot and favorite recipes for soups and stews. The first chili supper is special.
The change of season is evident as we shop. Grocery stores have displays of pumpkins, gourds, and displays of Halloween candy. This year, a store opened on Amelia Island, Spirit Halloween, with all things Halloween. You name it, and they have it. They offer every character you can imagine, from cartoon characters to scary monsters who light up, blink, and move.
As we enjoy our Florida fall, our thoughts and prayers are with the people who have suffered from the ravages of Helene and Milton.
Dickie Anderson is a freelance writer, community volunteer, and author. She can be reached at [email protected]