Saturday, October 16, 2010

The Dark Ages



During an ordinary summer, I spend so much time outdoors that when the light begins to decline in fall I'm more than happy to tuck myself indoors for the winter. Last summer was anything but ordinary (on so many levels). Not only was it way too hot, but the air quality was terrible, hence I spent a lot of time hiding in the air conditioning.

Now that fall is here and the weather is absolute perfection, I find myself disappointed at the early sunsets. It's just not as much fun to walk around after dark. I hate the orange-y street lights so much; they're so harsh and glaring. Though I am not in favor of guns in almost every circumstance, I'll admit I dream of shooting out those lights more often than I probably should.

For the next couple of weeks, if I shove my last client out the door sooner rather than later, I can catch a bit of the sunset on my walk home. When they switch off daylight savings time, though, it'll be dark long before the end of my last session.

The longer nights and shorter days of autumn are a part of what makes this season so deliciously precious. In spite of all my complaints, I love fall. Happy Saturday!

14 comments:

steven said...

reya the summer here was amazing and that's partly because of how i used it and also because the weather was the best we've had for years. the really really hot part i was on my bike passing through your country of course! now, i wake up to dark and leave on my bicycle in the half light. i get home in the half light and it darkens by seven. i notice i'm using my bike lights more and more so the trucks, buses and cars can see me. i miss my big brother sun. steven

Reya Mellicker said...

He is your devoted brother, isn't he?

Cheryl Cato said...

I am enjoying the wonderful autumn days here as well. I'm sleeping a bit later than normal, but once the time changes I'll probably be up with the sun. Great photo of the flag & sunset; enjoy it while you can!

Meri said...

There are things I love about autumn: the amazing colors, the warm Indian summer days, the misty layer of fog floating like a ghost over the pond on chilly mornings. But I dread the turn toward dark mornings and long nights. . . my brain is solar powered.

ellen abbott said...

It's been glorious weather here too. We don't get the colors but the days are warm with a nice breeze, cool nights and best of all, low humidity.

Stunning second photo Reya.

Tom said...

these perfect fall days hold a condensed energy that burns up fast...i find myself playing hard in those few hours of warmth and sun in the afternoon, and crashing early in the evening, bled out, worn out.

Annika Lundkvist said...

As always, enjoying your season commentary.

Thank you for posting a comment over at one of my blogs...I have posted a reply. Perhaps we can see some Reya coverage of underground DC sometime in the future....? I would love to read your energetic perspective about that realm.

http://habitatunderground.blogspot.com/2010/10/dc-underground-more-than-metro.html

Reya Mellicker said...

Annika I've written much about subterranean DC so you can count on me writing more!

Tom have I mentioned recently that I LOVE the way your mind works? I really do.

Cyndy said...

It's a shame that it's getting dark so much earlier now. The weather is so fantastic that I want the days to be longer, not shorter!

Reya Mellicker said...

Me, too, Cyndy!

The Bug said...

We went on a drive today to get ice cream & take leaf pictures. The colors are pretty fabulous in our neck of the woods.

I also mourn the shorter days this time of year - you are so right that this is EXACTLY the time of year to want the days to be longer. Oh well - won't be too much longer & I'll be in total hibernation mode.

Stacy Hackenberg said...

We've had lots of beautiful clear days with a touch of breeze and perfect temperatures for the past few weeks in Texas. It's the first truly autumn feeling October I can remember in years.

I'll be in DC on October 30th for the Rally to Restore Sanity. I've never been to DC so it will be a fun trip even without Jon Stewart.

lettuce said...

thats one of the worst things about living in London - the light pollution.

though yesterdays sunset was pretty nice

happy sunday reya

Barbara said...

I love fall in Colorado, it's my favorite season and we are having a gorgeous one. But I do find myself noticing the long shadows that come so early in the day. I hate the time change, it upsets the natural progression... to say nothing of putting us in the dark, literally, in mid afternoon.