Autumn is the time of the year that comes after the warmth of summer but before the cold of winter. It is that special time of the year when we no longer have to worry about the oppressive heat and we don't yet have to be concerned with the depressing cold. Days get shorter, evening comes sooner, and there is oftentimes a chill in the air, but there is still time to enjoy being outdoors, and there are still enough nice days left for a few more top down drives.

Years ago I knew a very special person. She was more than a friend but less than a girlfriend. I suppose something could have developed if we tried, but both of us were so happy with our relationship that we didn't dare ruin it with love.

In any event, we shared a lot of thoughts, one of which was how we felt about summer, fall and winter. Summer was a great time, a time to be outdoors, a time to enjoy the weather and a time to do all of those things we'd put off for a time when it was warmer. Winter was the opposite. Winter was cold and hard and dark and depressing. Winter was a time for work, there was no time for play. Winter was dark and gloomy. Autumn was the time between, the time that would start as the glorious end of summer and end with the cold, miserable start of winter.

Every autumn we'd pile into my MGB for what we'd call our, "Rites of autumn" drive. Some years we'd head out to Montague Point on Long Island and some years we'd leave Brooklyn for the Delaware Water Gap between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We'd always have the top down and the heat on. We'd be fine in the car, but we'd get chilled as soon as we got out. We knew that summer was gone and winter was almost here.

We'd stand at Montague Point or walk along the Water Gap and talk. We'd both be pretty sad that the seasons were changing and we'd talk about how we'd enjoyed the past summer and weren't looking forward to winter. We both knew that these fun top down drives would end for that terribly long period called winter and that we'd have to wait until spring.

I don't know what happened to her. Some time in the late 70s we started to drift apart, each one of us giving more time to our careers and our personal lives and having less and less time for each other. By about 1977 we lost touch. I've never heard from her again, but I very clearly remember all of those "Rites of autumn" drives.

Now its autumn again. Summer is over and soon it will be winter. I keep the top down all winter on my S2000 no matter how cold it gets, but I really don't use my S all that much in the winter months. Soon the days will be short, I'll go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. Soon there will be ice on the ground and my feet will be wet and cold. Soon there will be no time for play and only time for work. Soon winter will be here. Summer is over and autumn is almost done. Soon a lot of things will change.

 

Nice Rob.

Along with every drive we've taken in the S in the past week or so, comes the realization that the "season" is almost over. I don't like that, but there is nothing that can be done about it.

I like the weather in autumn, but for me, the shorter days and cooler temps also brings a bit of the blues. Once this nice weather is gone, it seems like it takes so very long for spring to arrive.

 

Enjoyed reading your comments. This is my Cliff Notes response. in about another month, things around here are going to really suck for about 6 months!

 

Fall arrived in SC this weekend -- southern style, meaining the nicest time of year.

It was 82 today with low humidity and blue sky - the haze is gone. The +1 and I just got back home (9:30 PM) from a 20 mile drive, top down, 66 degrees on the outside temp guage (you know that silly '06 addition) under a big, black starry sky. It will be like this at least until Thanksgiving, gradually getting cooler. Time for hikes in the mountains, time for a hot chocolate on the deck. I love Fall!

 

I was raised in Kansas City, Mo. where we had 4 distinct seasons. This is the time of year when I really envy you northern people.

I always loved winter too, except when I had to work outside. I miss the absolute quiet after a snowfall.

Down here in the deep south we still have several weeks of hot days, then moving to cold nights and mornings.

Enjoy.

Willinathen

 

 

I moved south 25 years ago, and I love the people friendly climate. But, like Wilnathen, I too miss a nice quiet snowfall, and the sound of snow squeaking under your boots. That's when I go visit the relatives in Buffalo -- after a few days I am cured.

 

I love the fall. The cool mornings are so nice. You guys who live in the area, will there be fall colors as early as the beginning of October?

 

I don't know about you guys but down here I've got about 2 more months of summer left. Whooo Hoooo!

And anyway Autumn sucks, it just means it's that much closer to winter, and winter really sux!

 

There should be some color although I think it will be too early to be at peak color.