The Air is A'Changing!" - Time Out #110

As talked about before, and for certain it will be discussed again and again, our classic Oklahoma weather is an easy conversational subject.

We all know the reason for the constant interest in this favorite topic.

It's wild and wacky historical track record, of course.

Well, my wish for this moment in time appears to have come true.

Maybe?

With the late September rains and the ushering in of non-90's daytime highs, dear people of Our Town, I am crossing my fingers and toes, fall has arrived. I know it officially arrived on the calendar September 22nd, but unofficially, our weather usually never really pays attention to the human calendar.

We all have our favorite seasons of the year, and my bride, Debbie, appreciates them all. When I brought her to Our Town from San Diego and its constant eternal spring environment in 1981, she quickly loved her new, 4 definite seasons Oklahoman's are provided each year.

The "elbow" seasons, spring and autumn, are my personal favorites, with spring and it's "new" life beginnings winning the top spot in my heart, by a thin margin. Fall, however, constantly nips at my heels for all its positive points, and, rarely, has much negative on my personal seasonal scorecard.

What are fall's upsides, you ask?

Reduced temperatures count for about 10 positive factors alone, but again, that's just me. Also, I always look forward to the beautiful plant leaf changes; the falling colorful leaves; critters such as busy squirrels, constantly gathering acorns; migratory birds stopping over locally during their long southern flying journeys; local home owners breaking out their fall outdoor displays and Halloween decorations, and, of course, all levels of that magical game called football. After the first true frost of the season, which for Our Town, is usually the first week of November, gladly brings the absence of biting insects, so I am able to go outside at almost any hour and not be attacked by the itch-causing tiny creatures. For me, no more mosquitoes is absolutely wonderful!

How about those traditional fall foods and drinks, too?

Everything pumpkin is the #1 thing that pops in my head, and if something has pumpkin in it, yours truly usually loves it.

As my trio of children will tell you, too, Halloween and their father were almost a slam dunk as far as excitement was concerned as they grew up. I costume-dressed to the max throughout those many years, and they and their friends probably always wondered who liked this holiday best, them or their wild and crazy father? Maybe I'll scribe just a

Breedlove-family Halloween installment in the future?

In the meantime, however, I am going to relax, totally enjoying our cooler days and crisp nights, realizing nothing in our state's weather pattern is forever, or even for tomorrow.

Ms. Debbie thinks after 36 years here, those rapid changes are truly an exciting part of living here.

I agree.