At Last, At Last!

We’ve had a cold front come in. At least that’s what the meteorologists call it. Those of you who live in the North would call it a “cool front” but our local weather person insists that the correct meteorological term is “cold front”. In any case, the high on Tuesday is supposed to be no higher than 70 degrees.

For this climate and latitude, that is indeed considered cool and I can hardly wait. I have shrubs to trim and pots to get ready to plant bulbs in, and I may even buy a couple of tomato plants and put them in the ground.

Yes, things are indeed backward in Southwest Florida. We plant tomatoes here in September and October, while those in the more Northern climes plant them in May and June. Those puny Northern tomato plants would never survive a summer in Southwest Florida, but then, I barely survive it myself…lol…

Finally, the cooler weather is upon us. I can go outside again!

Autumn in Southwest Florida

After living here for twenty years this month, you would think I’d get used to the weather, but I haven’t. At this time of the year I long for the sight of the golds and ambers of Autumn leaves and that first crisp chill in the air. I am, and always will be someone who prefers a cooler climate. Today, the high was 91 degrees! Can you believe it? October 7 and the temps are still in the 90’s.

The funny thing about missing the Autumn colors is that I actually see them year round in the leaves of the Crotons growing in my yard. Although they are gorgeous plants, somehow, it just isn’t the same. Maybe it’s because when I lived in Maryland and New York, the Autumn foliage heralded the end of one season and the beginning of the next, while here in the subtropics, the seasons all blend into one another.

Whatever the reason, at this time of the year, I miss being “up North” the most. I have information that in Gainesville, which is in Northern Florida, they get 3 of the 4 seasons, eliminating the one with all the ice and snow. If true, I hope one day to pack everything up and travel the 8 or so hours it will take to get up there and move everything into a new house. In the meantime, I guess I need to go outside and stare at my Crotons, and pretend they are trees…. ;o)