...and the seasons, they go round and round...

Another summer has come and gone. The signs of fall are starting to subtly show themselves. Leaves falling quietly into the cold pool water; colors beginning to peek through the green on the trees and bushes. Children walking to and from school, fall sports teams crowding the fields; cornstalks and pumpkins making their way onto porches and stoops around the area. Cool nights without the air conditioner blowing through the rooms. September's crisp morning weather, deep shadows in the morning and early sunsets in the evening. I am not yet ready to give up the shorts and flip flops for cumbersome shoes and clothing. But whether I am ready or not, the seasons change. I appreciate the autumn, but I will miss the carefree nights and days of summer....lazily floating in the pool, sipping ice cold tea on the patio under the umbrella. Watching my grandchildren capture moths, butterflies and lightning bugs, cover them in the "bug tent" and study them intently. In a few weeks thoughts of Thanksgiving and Christmas will start to invade my summer memories. The summer will be crowded out eventually, until I look at the digital photos blinking images of ocean and pools and fun. But by then, the anticipation of fall and winter holidays will be in full bloom. I will enjoy the family memories being made during their fall activities, while I sit, sipping hot cocoa and planning holiday parties. The seasons just change so quickly now. My carousel is spinning up and down and the seasons.. well, they go round and round...