FALL IN PLACE!

Although I should not start a sentence with a conjunction, I resisted the obvious choice of 'And', but opened with another.  However, it is most prevalent!  To continue.....And, just like that, it was winter!  Perhaps winter is a little harsh, when others are really, really experiencing very cold temperatures, but as we say here (misquoted, of course) if it is time to wear a jacket, it is winter!  Shoes instead of flip-flops, is an obvious sign! Perhaps, we are falling into autumn!

Autumn, therefore, is upon us.  The days are appearing 'shorter' and I was rising to the murky grey just before dawn.  Although we generally have 'twelve hour' days, I do miss the summer mornings of England, when the sun shone through the windows a while before the shrill alarm bell told me it was time to get up.  I miss the dusk at ten o'clock at night.  The first few days of 'dark' afternoons lose their novelty very quickly.  Each side of the Atlantic has pros and cons!  Our rather mild summer, this side of the pond, had merged into fall with only the mornings being cooler, but then rising.  The water has become slightly less than tepid, although it never rose to a high degree all summer.  It is not conducive to 'lazing', albeit my youngest grandson thinks in the alternative!

Without the humdrum of a full supply of roofers, the mornings have been relatively quiet.  I strolled along the promenade (my promenade) in my less than appropriate attire, (define appropriate,) with seemingly not a care in the world!  Without modern inventions (apart from the timer on my phone, which is not necessarily necessary, as I could count my laps) I take to the water, and just swim.  If I had a 'gym' on hand, perhaps I would make use of it, despite my constant vigourous comments that I care not for 'controlled' exercise.  If there was one on the premises, I would no doubt take advantage!  However, there is not, so I use what is available!  However, I digress!  Our little community has reverted back to the dawn chorus to wake us, and the odd rumble of wheels owned by the early riser, rather than a convey of trucks and trailers.  At first glance, it would appear that we are living in the 1950's (or perhaps 70's considering that is when we were built) and the most modern item in our community was, in fact, the motor vehicle!  Pining for a bygone age will do me little good!  Living in a bygone age would be impossible for some!

With the 'Halloween' month (as it appears to be for the whole month) was coming to its crescendo, I have been avoiding the subject where possible.  My neighbours were preparing to have a soiree at the pool on Friday, but I doubted I would be able to attend due to it being late afternoon, rather than early evening.  I did offer to lend them a table (not mine, but I was sure my daughter would not mind) and to prepare some snacks.  I did not think the offer through particularly well!  Time was the issue.  Would I have time? 

I become a little bit of a 'killjoy' during such seasons.  What I consider to be 'over the top', is quite often misconstrued by others as 'not enough'.  Everything is bigger in Texas, including the holidays!  My first season here made me wonder why all packaging was changed to endorse the holiday, only to have to reduce it for sale in the next week.  'Trick or Treat' ers, are not likely to care if their 'popsicle' isn't wrapped in a black and orange cover with a bat flying somewhere.  The wrappers are discarded at the speed of light!  I know, it is meant to be 'fun' and 'for the children, but surely one day would suffice; two if it meant going into the weekend!

"What are you going to dress up as on Friday?" one of our servers from the northern part of the state asked.  Halloween is one of his favourite holidays, as he fancies himself quite the 'scarer'.  "An adult!" I responded, without thinking of the consequences, e.g. offending his sense of seasonal joy.  Apparently, he found my answer to be highly amusing, indicating that the rest of the year, I dress up, or indeed am a child!  Honestly, he doesn't know me that well!  I will say that sarcasm is not his strong point, and I have a slight (okay not so slight) tendency to be sarcastic!  Having had a month of strange voices, and odd comments from this particular guy (who is harmless, and of whom we are very fond, but enough is as good as a feast) I finally blurted, "It's November on Saturday!"  He did not get the connection.  

"No!" said our maintenance man, as I headed to the pool the first really cool morning.  "Yes", I said, not wanting to miss out on my last few days of water aerobics.  I was sure I could survive another day!  It was a little brisk but not too bad, once I got started!  I knew the evening participation would be ended once the clocks 'fell back'.  Despite my own arguments, I always 'do'. rather than 'don't'.

As mentioned, I knew that my afternoon visits to my sanctuary would be coming to an end for this year, as the clocks returning would make it unpleasant to continue.  I have, in the past, continued to take part in the activity but as the water is already cooling, I will probably err on the side of caution.  Or not!  It was not possible to read after my dunk as the sun had disappeared over the 'yard arm' and the bugs were having a party!  Despite enjoying the cooler temperatures, a sadness prevails when I have to 'give up'.

And just like that, it was winter!  It was a struggle to get the wet suit on, but I felt it was necessary.  The outside temperature had dropped to 42 and although considered a bit crazy, I am not stupid!  I am sure it would not have hurt to get into the water without the suit, but I was not feeling particularly brave!

Getting out of the suit was fun!  I had forgotten the cardinal rule.  Do not take both arms out at the same time!  I stood, flapping about without a hand to grab and ended up using my feet to release.  It would have made an amusing video, I am sure.  I had made the goodies for the party, and dropped them off at my neighbour's before heading out.  

I did not make the party.  Much as I would have enjoyed the social evening, there was too much to do but it appears the goodies were enjoyed.  The table was still standing on Saturday morning as no one could work out how to collapse it.  Admittedly, it is so simple, it proves difficult.  "Just push" I said. Everyone had been looking for a 'catch'. 

Having to wear a jacket proved that winter was here.  It is always amusing to watch my fellow Austinites, and surrounding county fellows when the temperature drops.  All summer we are complaining about the heat, and looking forward to the days when we can wear long sleeves, but as soon as it gets cold enough to do so, we mourn the end of the season and brave the cooler climes in 'tank tops' and shorts!  

The clock's went 'back' and the sun was shining at seven.   It was a beautiful morning, if somewhat chilly.  I floated for a while, looking up at the clear blue skies, and was grateful for the opportunity.  It really is magnificent to just lie on top of the water and stare upwards.  Despite my bravery, I had to wear a jacket when we ventured out later, and walked around the complex dressed more appropriately than my earlier expedition!

Next week promises to be slightly warmer!  Only slightly mind! Not quite enough for the pool to recover its summer heat, but it should be pleasant.  I am not quite ready to don the boots, but the winter Stetson has already made an appearance.  Life in Texas is definitely worth ..........another story!