Fall is undoubtedly our favorite season. The temperature finally breaking and becoming cooler, the leaves changing color, and the warm apple cider gets us very excited. Not to mention the holidays that fall in the autumn season giving way to Christmas. There is something wonderful about fall in every place we've lived and each year we've made new discoveries. Longwood was a wonderful place for fall, finally getting used to the class schedule, the calm before the midterm storm, and the leaves on the walkway in front of the Cunninghams dorm. It was also the season that Adam and I found our love for canoeing, which has given way to the kayaks that now inhabit our side porch. In Fredericksburg fall was beautiful. The trees that lined the road into downtown would be lit up with white lights as we grew nearer the holiday season. And the hill coming down 17 onto route 1 showed huddles of fall colors around houses and a beautiful church steeple. Fall was incredibly different in Florida. Temperatures remained in the 80's and 90's well through Thanksgiving. Even though we wore sweaters for the holiday, we had the air conditioning on. The trees took ages to finally change and fall off the trees. And though we complained endlessly about the lack of fall, it was nice just how long the season lasted. And though I do not speak for Adam in this case, I didn't mind not being cold. Last fall, as we made our trip to California, we headed farther away from colorful trees, through the desert, and to an area full of palm trees. We looked for apartments and of course, chose the one that had a purple leaved tree hanging right over the deck that made us feel like we weren't so far away from Fall after all. I often miss the gorgeous mountains, topped with snow, the streets lined with palm trees, and the endless view of the Pacific. Most of the time I wish I was still in California, longing for the beautiful views, the shopping, and the opportunities we had while we were there. But, Fall has made Jacksonville a bit more bearable at the present time. Our neighborhood here on base is full of trees that have all changed color and dropped layers of leaves all over the yards. It's a wonderful oasis of leaves that we can see out all our windows and the temperature is just right. We also had a wonderful Halloween with our first real trick or treaters, and are getting ready for a wonderful Thanksgiving. Though Adam is on the boat training this week, we are fortunate to have another holiday season together. He will return Friday and not be gone again until January, after New Year's.
We are also fortunate to be right where we wanted to be. Adam is detached to the MEU, which was exactly what he wanted. And I am teaching again, something I've looked forward to as I entered each new school over the last two years just to attach a Substitute Teacher sticker on my shirt. Though we feel we have plenty to complain about in both cases; rules, people, and workoad, we also must remember to be thankful. And what better season to be reminded of this than as we near the Thanksgiving holiday and look out at the colorful scenery, drinking warm drinks, and enjoying each other's company.
