As I type this, August is ending. Here in Texas, the month is going out with a roar - record breaking heat and last night, a ferocious storm. School has started, remotely for most districts in my area, though in-person is supposed to resume on September 14. My daughter is a teacher - starting her 18th year - and she's extremely worried, which means I am too. Like me, she's been staying in, rarely going anywhere. I've actually gotten used to the social distancing thing. We still don't go out to eat, but we order take-out or delivery occasionally. I've taken my dogs to several vet visits, all masked and waiting in the car while the vet tech takes my dog inside.
As summer winds down (hopefully - you never know with Texas,) I find myself looking forward to the cooler temperatures, the fall scents and decorations, and the return of our TV shows in late September. Unless they've been impacted by the pandemic, and then I guess I'll just continue watching Netflix and reading.
I've read a lot this summer. New books by favorite authors, old books by people new to me. I actually went on my Kindle to the oldest pages and randomly started reading the older books. I've been enjoying this too.
I've also been writing. A lot. August 15th, I turned a book in to my publisher Harlequin Romantic Suspense. I took a few days off and then started a new, already contracted book for them. I'm wrapping up the second chapter and enjoying the story. I always know I'll have to go back and revise the first few chapters once I get to know the characters better. That's part of my process and after so many published books, I'm comfortable with that.
Fall and winter are my favorite time of the year. Winter most of all, but fall comes a close second.
What about you? Are you ready for cooler days and nights? The pumpkin spice, the colorful leaves, the change? What's your favorite season and why?
I must admit that this summer of all summers has caused me to slow down and remind myself to enjoy. I'm grateful for that. I love fall and even though I want time to slow down, I always look forward to it. Those of us with teacher kids have special worries, don't we? Blessings to her.
ReplyDeleteOur summer has been full full full of daycare! With day camps closed this summer and daycares shut my health care worker and first responder daughterS needed us more than ever. Sleepovers for shift workers, added to the mayhem. Our bubbles expanded. But I managed to complete a short story and learn more promotion, and have added a lot to a Christmas promised for this Fall. And I’ve started another novella. No wonder I’m a bit tired! LOL
ReplyDeleteI love warm (not melting hot) weather because I love being outside. In New England summers aren't too bad, especially if you live near water where you get a nice breeze. It's started to get a little cooler here already so I'm making plans to head back to our little town of St. Augustine in Florida. Since it's near the northern border it doesn't get too hot in the winter. Perfect temps to go for long walks and stay outside.
ReplyDeleteI'm very much looking forward to fall and cooler weather -- and even though I'm in Ohio, winter. We can get quite cold here some winters, others can be mild. But whether we are in the deep freeze or milder winter temps, I don't mind -- as long as I don't HAVE to get out in it. Now that I'm no longer working a day job, I say, "Let it snow!"
ReplyDeleteI've always loved the spring, though there's not much of it here in Florida. Spring to me means new beginnings, and fills me with hope. I think it's from living for years up north when the first sight of a daffodil had you putting on shorts, knowing Summer was on the way.
ReplyDeleteSummer is my favorite season, I love being outdoors. This year was different for sure. No outdoor concerts, no mingling at the farmer's markets. I eschewed my favorite hiking trails and wilderness beaches because everyone else has taken them over, desperate to get out after a spring of being locked down. We've already ripped out the vegies and the flower pots are having their last hurrah. (sigh) It's officially summer for another 2 1/2 weeks and I plan to make the most of it, but the days are noticeably shorter and cooler.
ReplyDeleteGosh, still another Gem who lives in Texas! What a killer hot summer. I used to teach. I feel so sorry for your daughter. It's terrible that they're making teachers have to choose their job vs. their health. I am terrified of this virus, and my adult children have also been very cautious. The only good thing is being able to write more. One of my friend here in Texas also writes for Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Colleen Thompson.
ReplyDeleteI love Spring. I love seeing the new growth and wildlife being born after a long hard winter here in Pennsylvania.
ReplyDeleteI do like brisk weather, but I am definitely a Spring girl! I love Texas in the Spring.
ReplyDeleteI love autumn. I love the sunny days and cool nights.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I'm ready. Tomorrow Summer makes a short comeback and then it'll be that nip in the air that sends us hunting for sweatshirts or sweaters.
ReplyDeleteI love spring, summer, and fall with spring being my favorite season. I'm not much for winter, even here in south Texas. I'm leaving for our house in the country tomorrow where the weather is already noticeably cooler in the evenings. It's the brisk weather Kara mentioned. I'll probably stay there for a couple of weeks until everything is working properly at our home in town.
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of summer. I love the time from November 1 through Christmas Eve. I look forward to winter and spring as well.
ReplyDeleteI am. I love Halloween and thanksgiving so Autumn is my favorite
ReplyDeletedebby236 at hotmail dot com
Autumn...It's ma jam! And I can't wait for cooler temps and colored leaves. Here's to looking forward, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI find it very depressing when I see the leaves start to turn because I know it means cold weather is coming. If my husband and I didn't love our day jobs so much, and have four grandkids within an hour ride, I'd push to move somewhere warm, even if just for the winter. I love hot, steamy weather!
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