When the bug bite wears out too early

[Pumpkin_Man]

Technicaly, Summer does not end until the equinox, so I spend most of September enjoying the very last remnants of the Summer sun, realizing that Fall will be here soon, as will Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and ultimately those two long post Christma Winter months of January and February. I am trying to get as much out of the good weather season as I can, because Winter, at least here in Illinois, tends to drag on and on.

Mike

[Murfreesboro]

In middle TN, our winters vary. Sometimes we have a fair amount of snow (as in, several snowfalls, usually only 2-3 inches, never more than 6 or 8 ). Other winters we get no snow at all, only cold rain. I actually like to see at least one nice snowfall, or two or three. I consider it a good winter when that happens. In December 2010, my son and I went to a midnight service on Christmas Eve, and to our astonishment it was snowing when we came out! Only one other time in my whole life has that ever happened to me.

Sometimes it is a problem that the weather will get too warm in mid-January, and everything will start leafing or budding out. Then a hard freeze will kill our spring. Usually, though, by the latter part of February, the daffodils are up, and spring is here for real.

So I guess, for me, winter can be slightly dreary, but it never drags on for too long. I am more afraid of not seeing enough winter than of getting too much of it.

[Pumpkin_Man]

As much as I love to see it snow during the Christmas season, I with I had your problem. I would love to be able to ride to work all through February on my Harley. In the Spring of 2012, we had a very early Spring. Temps were in the high 80s on St. Patricks Day, and I had to run the air conditioning. That has never happened before as long as I've been alive. Spring doesn't even begin until the 21st of March or the Vernal Equinox. I was riding to work and air conditioning my house pretty much all through the latter half of March. Them temps went down to the 40s and 50s for a good part of April, and then it ended up being a great Summer.

I do love snow for the Christmas season, though. I will also confess that I do enjoy a fire in my fireplace on a cold Winter night even if it is January or February.

Mike

[Corpse Candle]

I myself feel it has to be taken in degrees. I have learned to pace myself, as I used to indeed get a little burned out before the big day. About this time of year, small subtle things begin to appear around the yard. Nothing you notice unless you really look. A small skeleton here, perhaps a bat there. Just little things. This way you can keep the whole thing on a slow burn and still allow yourself to get into the "spirit", without going too far too early. When the real decorations go up in late September, the subtle items already out add real depth to the overall effect.

[Pumpkin_Man]

That's a good idea, Corpse Candle. I usualy dont put anything up until the end of September, but I do ocassionaly check all my Halloween lights to make sure they're working during the Summer months. I also am often on the look-out for Halloween merchandise that would add to my decor.

Mike

[NeverMore]

That's what I used to do Corpse Candle (interesting nym), when I lived with my roommate. Every day she would come home and find some new Halloween decoration. She got such a delight looking for what came next. I wonder if that's why I'm not so excited about the upcoming season this year? No one to surprise. Either that or I'm too busy working on the new house to think about it. Speaking of which, time to get back to work.