I must say, I'm happy for you, but it's 100 freaking degrees in Oregon so I'm finding it hard to relish the moment with you. I'm sure you understand.

Eileen--

Please refer to this post in a month. You'll be glowing with fall rapture and I'll be cursing the early-afternoon darkness ....

The reason life is lonely, despite the fact that everybody feels the same things; we never feel them at the same time.

David

You're right of course. For example, did you spend yesterday in the ENT office because your little girl stuck a turtle bead* up her nose? Unless that happened, we're not feeling the same thing at the same time. Oy vey.

A turtle bead, is a bead that you make bracelets/neclackes with in the shape of a turtle. And no, we didn't save it.

No, the bead my little girl stuck up her nose was in the shape of a lady bug. Totally different scenario.

Out here in northern California (bay area)we don't have as dramatic a shift in seasons as some other parts of the country but if you pay attention the signs are there. We probably have a few more weeks until I get that first "ahhh, yes...autumn" feeling, which I duly note each year. I'm always interested in transitions, but fall is definitely my favorite for the same reasons you mention.

Then again, my birthday is in November. Back in high school (way back in high school, I don't even want to think about how far back that is now) I wondered if there was a correlation and started asking people - first, what month their birthday was, second what their favorite season was. I was never anal enough to keep records, and it's completely anecdotal, but over the years I swear it has to be at least 75% of the respondents' birthdays fall within their favorite season.

Just an amusing note - breaks the ice at parties. Fall does bring out the wistful in me.

My birthday's in April, for the record, so spring is of course my LEAST favorite season.

that works for me, Jim. My birthday's in June and summer's my favorite. I think you're on to something.

David - In case you're getting giddy, just remember that old Noel Coward song, "Bad News Is Just Around the Corner." Loved that one. I've been able to consistently correlate the onset of fall with something called Autumn Syndrome. The lowering temperatures and crisper air do something weird to your brain to create a sense of wellbeing and empowerment. But it WILL pass, not to worry! (Although maybe this year it won't...but that may just be the Autumn Syndrome speaking.) Yours in needless cynicism, Amy

A bead up the nose, a small pebble in the ear. Ah, the places our children put things. So, as you said, David, we have similar experiences and response - just not at the same time. My trek to the doctor for the child with said pebble took place many years ago (he's 23 now) but I still remember the feeling.

On the favorite season topic and the correlation with birthdays - mine's early November but my favorite season is winter. Then again, I live in Arizona. Our winters are like the rest of the country's fall.

My birthday is in early March, just at the point when you are convinced that winter will NEVER END!! (I live in Canada - winters here are like living in the fifth circle of hell for five months every year - but cold) - so not my favourite season. I'm also an Autumn lover, and here in Toronto the weather is just the same as David is experiencing - Glorious!

P.S. I don't have kids, however my youngest niece last year swallowed a star on a necklace my sister thought she was old enough to wear to school (apparently not so much!) They took a picture of the (I'm told) very visible little star in the ultrasound. They also did NOT save it when it "worked its way through the process"