Sea Grape leaves.



On the way to the ocean.


Monday, September 22nd marks the first day of fall.  Up until now, this milestone found me saddened at the passing of my favorite season. Not anymore!

My friends and family up north tell me that their overnight lows have dropped considerably. My daughter, who lives up in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom,  had a frost warning this week. In southern New Hampshire my friend Mary said their overnight temperatures have fallen to the lower 40’s. Gardens are starting to fade. Swimming pools are too cold for swimming. Sweaters are being brought out of storage.

In South Florida it’s a different story. Our overnight lows are in the mid 70’s. Humidity is still prevalent and air conditioning remains a way of life.

I’ve planted my butterfly garden and my salad garden. Shorts and sandals remain my daily attire. And, of course, there’s my bike, a one speed teal green delight which takes me to the beach everyday.

If I ever miss the leaves changing colors in a New England landscape, there are always the fallen sea grape leaves which line winding paths to the ocean. Granted, they lack the New England vibrancy of reds, oranges and yellows which appear to be illuminated from within, but a few steps further along on the path and my eyes are soothed by a turquoise green ocean and a sky which hosts six different shades of blue.

While advocates of seasonal changes may not appreciate summer’s temperatures extending into the fall months, it’s been my salvation. This is the first year I will not mourn summer’s passing because here in South Florida everyday is a summer day.

<*(((><

Keep your beach frame of mind. When cooler temperatures get you down, pick yourself up with a good, beachy read: Pug At The Beach, An island dog’s reflections on life. (Yeah, it’s a shameless plug.)

Copyright 2008 Diana Taylor
Photo credit:  Diana Taylor, sea grapes at Delray Beach, Florida

For cut & paste:
http://www.scenesofvermont.com/vtnek1.htm
http://www.monadnocktravel.com/index.html
http://www.downtowndelraybeach.com
http://www.amazon.com/Pug-Beach-Island-Dogs-Reflections/dp/0974448400/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221863951&sr=8-1