Folks, I’m feeling a little out of sorts this morning. Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking: Hurricane Ida, right? Like I haven’t heard jokes like that all week. You just wait until you have a hurricane named after you! The last time this happened to me was in 2009, and it seems too soon for it to happen again.
Speaking of too soon, and the reason I’m a little down right now, one of the saddest days of summer happened last Monday. You know what I’m talking about: the arrival of our hardy mums down to the A&P. (Sigh.) Sure, they have tight little buds at the moment, but that means we’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from apple picking, pumpkin spice everything and fun size candy bars (those bite sized bundles of joy that are meant for our trick or treaters, but somehow always end up in my belly). And I’m not ready. No way. No how.
With all the crisp air and colorful foliage, fall used to be my favorite season. As I get older, though, this letting go of the richness of summer and knowing that it’s going to be a whole six months before green shoots start poking out of the ground again, that’s hard.
And this year, once it gets too cold to socialize outside, we’ll be back to weighing the risk of inside get togethers. Not with folks we know, of course, and not as bad as last year. But still, it’s disheartening. After a few mask-free months, I’ve taken to wearing my mask again down to the A&P. Oh, woe is me: Tropical Depression Ida.
Anyhoo, once I surrender to the change of season, I’m sure I’ll remember that September is one of my favorite months in Maine.
It’s been years since I waited at the bus stop on the first day of school, red and black plaid lunch box in hand, all decked out in my new clothes. Yet come Labor Day, I still feel that sense of anticipation, of new beginnings. And frankly, it’s kind of a relief to get back on a regular schedule.
September is a beautiful month up here, with hot days and cool nights. Good sleeping weather, we call it. It also feels good to rein in the eating and my weight. (Though I have a feeling I’ll managed to squeeze in a few more Peanut Buster Parfaits before the DQ closes for the season. Yumbo!)
More good news: in September the A&P slows down a little and the tourists change for the better. Instead of families exhausted and cranky from spending too much time together, you mostly see mature couples. You know, quiet people who get to bed early and aren’t in such a rush. Folks who know how much a cup of coffee costs at McDonalds with the senior discount, (God bless ‘em).
Phew! Now I’m feeling more like my usual self. And truth be told, my petunias are looking pretty leggy at this point. I never buy mums in August, you know, out of principle. But I always do eventually and I enjoy the heck out of ‘em. I’ll pick a few up this week sometime, I’m thinking.
That’s if for now. Stay safe, and I’ll catch you on the flip side!
P.S. In an effort to cheer me up, Charlie wrote me this little ditty. He give it to me just now. Isn’t that sweet? Thanks, sweetheart!
No Hurricane
Ida, my wife, ain’t no hurricane
When she comes to town, she won’t bring the rain
Or rising floodwaters up to your door
Instead you’ll be clapping for her to do more!
She won’t knock your power out, topple your trees
Or bring the ol’ Dairy Queen down to its knees
She won’t leave you sitting at home in the dark
Won’t make you nervous about where you park
When you come to her show, the winds will not blow
Your shingles to Shanghai or Puerto Rico
But take it from me, her long standing spouse:
She’s perfectly able to bring down the house!
Hear Ida Tell It: Tropical Depression Ida
Just Announced: Four Live Shows
December 10-12, A Very Ida Christmas! at The Public Theatre in Lewiston, ME
Friday at 7:00, Saturday at 3:00 & 7:00, and Sunday at 3:00