Watching football for the first time this year, I am in the mood for fall.  Now all the summer lovers out there hate this sentiment, I’m sure.  But I love fall.  I know, it gets dark earlier, it gets colder up here in Montana and school is back.  But in the season’s  defense, it gets dark earlier, it gets colder up here in Montana and school is back 🙂

I am not good at loosey-goosey schedules.  I may have mentioned this before.  And as much as I love summer, which I do, I feel the pressure to make EVERY DAY an adventure.  If I’m not on a hike, on a river or in a tent, I feel like I am wasting these precious summer days.  I love doing all of these things, I truly do.  But by the time fall rolls around, I’m tired!  The race and pace of summer begins to wear out its welcome.

Once fall hits, I have to be home earlier at night.  It’s dark out!  I can’t be out there.  I get to hole up in my little house and curl up under a blanket.  I’m not wasting daylight, it’s not daylight!  The evening dark is cool and calm and the lights from my house exude warmth and home.

And as far colder weather, well, I will complain about it in February (I guarantee many, many bitchy posts about being cold in February).  But in the fall I am ready to trade my flip-flops for boots.  I love my jeans and sweaters.  I fold in on myself and cocoon.  And after the rush of summer, cocooning is a welcome change of tempo.

And the kids are back in school.  Does this really need more explanation?  ROUTINE!  Yay!  This is my wheelhouse.  Dinners at home and homework at the dining table.  Bedtimes and breakfasts.  I need it.  I crave it.  I love it.

So, please forgive me sun worshippers.  I know my opinions may not be well received.  But as the race of summer slows to a stroll, I find myself able to catch my breath.  And I smile to myself knowing the folding in is a needed respite.