Rick Patrick
Columnist
The cooler mornings we have experienced recently have served to remind me that perhaps my favorite times of the year is the time when the seasons change. I know that in our current climate of North Florida, one could legitimately say that we have very little in terms of changing seasons. True, we don't have nearly the brilliant fall colors of the changing foliage that other parts of the country may enjoy. Still, the cooler weather does fill me with hope and optimism for the upcoming new season. This time of year, I find myself looking forward to the fun of Halloween and the festive feeling of Thanksgiving that ushers in the joy and wonder of the Christmas season.
Speaking of fall colors, a few years ago I had the opportunity to take an extended vacation of approximately three weeks and spent it in Colorado and Wyoming during the month of October. I flew into Denver (boy were my arms tired) and rented a vehicle there. Then spent my time driving around the area and took advantage of the opportunity to visit friends nearby. It was fun to see the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, especially the bright golden colors of the many aspen trees. It was certainly a vacation to remember. Another highlight was taking a walking "ghost tour" of Central City, Colo. I didn't see anything supernatural, but it was still fun to hear stories of some things that go "bump in the night" and to learn some of the history of the town.
One added benefit of this time of mid-October is the fact that Canadian Thanksgiving takes place at this time of year. That is significant to me because of the loophole it provides around the idea that some purists have that Christmas music can't be played until after Thanksgiving. So, technically, I am now allowed to play my Christmas music to my heart's desire, eh. I like the attitude of a good friend of mine in Atlanta who says, "The Christmas music starts as soon as the last house is trick or treated."
No matter how you approach the changing of the season, I hope it brings you happiness and joy, here on the sunny side.