It happens every year.
My wife and I were enjoying drinks on the outside deck waiting for a table at out favorite restaurant. She chose a French martini and I ordered a Summer Ale. The weather was perfect for sitting outside, no need for a sweatshirt or jacket as long as the sun was still shining. Friday’s were always busy, so it took us a while to be seated. We didn’t mind. I finished my first draft and ordered another beer. When the waitress returned, she was frowning.
“I’m so sorry. We ran out of the Summer Ale and have now switched over to the Octoberfest.”
Of course, I wondered out loud,
“Wow, have we been here so long that the seasons have actually changed?”
Summer was officially over and I wasn’t crying.
Who decided that Summer would be the season of bright sunshine, beaches, fun and games, watersports, vacations, camping, hiking and falling in love? Who decided Autumn would be the season of darkening skies, dying vegetation, yard cleanup and for us northerners, battening down the hatches for a long cold winter? Who?
Somewhere along the line, we gave Autumn the nickname, ‘Fall’, which in itself seems such a dreary word. We Fall over, Fall down, trees Fall, leaves Fall. Autumn is about Falling temperatures and Falling hours of daylight.
Does Autumn really have to be the summer killing season of darkness?
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For me, Fall is a great season. My MS5000 annual fundraiser runs through September and October. This year, we have 50 riders from all over the country out riding their motorcycles while raising donations for Multiple Sclerosis. The event raises over $25,000 each year.
As the weather gets cooler, my health improves as I don’t have any issues with MS fatigue or weakness in my arms and legs aggravated by the heat of summer. Fall is when I gather all the good photos I snapped during the year and put together my annual calendar. Another fundraiser, and it helps put a few dollars in my gas tank.
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Each Fall I begin to plan for my next year’s fundraisers and get to start planning my cross country rides to all the national events. A million miles is the goal and I still have 350,000 miles still to go. Without the harmful effects of the summer heat, I also get to do some much needed repairs or upgrades to the home, cars and motorcycles. I like working hard when it’s cool out!
As my travel schedule slows down, I am hopeful this year I will get to take a few rides to view the beautiful foliage we have in the Northeast. Without a full travel schedule, I also get to spend more time with my wonderful wife and get to take her out for drinks or dinner.
Yes, Autumn is a great time of year for me and probably my favorite season of all.
Not to mention, I really, really like the Octoberfest beers.
