I will not lie. I LOVE the time changes. I hope the government never gets rid of “Spring ahead, fall back”. There is something so urgent and hopeful about spring, moving the clock ahead, seeing daylight after getting home from the day job. Having the soft spring light in the early evening to wander in the garden, or to plant, weed, hover, dream in the half-light that happens (for me) between getting home from work and having to start dinner.
In fall, it’s even better. By November I’m tired of the heat, the unrelenting sun, the dry winds. Give me rains, and chilly weather. Give me a reason to wear sweaters here in southern California. I’m ready for it to be light at 5am. Let me enjoy the rare night fire, the family gathered around, mulled wine and hot cider available for everyone. (Trader Joe’s has a WONDERFUL spiced apple cider that is FABULOUS when heated.)
This year, I was doubly blessed on the night of the time change. Hubby and I went to an L.A. Kings game last night (hockey – we lost to the Penguins, waddle waddle) and due to overtime and a shootout, plus some nasty traffic on the 5 northbound (a big truck overturned and leaking oil/fuel/something flammable anyway, closed ALL lanes), we didn’t get home until 12:30am. Hubby had to leave home again at 4am, due to working on a USC grad student’s film in the Angeles Forest.
Luckily, because of the day, we just set the clock back. Which gave us time – him to figure out where he was going and to play his new Taylor GS Mini (which he ADORES), and me to make a quick breakfast for him to eat on the road (peanut butter and honey sandwich, apple, banana, and two tangerines). An hour (and a couple glasses of wine – oh, and some fresh popcorn) later, we were in bed. I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.
When I woke, Hubby was long gone. I looked outside – it had rained in the night. The clouds were still thick in the sky – I went back to bed for another hour, because I could. For me, “winter” had arrived. It stayed in the 50’s at my house today; the sky was dark by 5pm. Tomorrow morning, when I leave for work, I’ll have to re-learn how to drive when the sun is barely on the horizon and then SLAMS me in the face unexpectedly. When I come home, I’ll have to deal with driving in thick traffic at night along with everyone else, who has forgotten how. In a month, we’ll all have adjusted.
But my day today was an enchanted one, filled with the dripping eaves and a rainbow, the scent of fresh rain and rosemary and a woodfire in someone else’s hearth. It was a day for dawdling and indulging. I dawdled over the newspaper, reading every section of the Los Angeles Times (thin though it is nowadays). I made breakfast for my even later-rising son. I indulged in watching a video, and then did some writing/editing. I made plans for dinner, thanks to romance writer Christina Dodd’s post about macaroni and cheese. I took my son driving, and then went on a long walk (and I even did some very slow jogging – the legbone is feeling strong now).
The hubby came home, having spent the day being snowed on, rained on, sleeted on, then
more snow, all while they were filming. He had a big grin on his face though, and the merrily crackling fire in the fireplace just about made his night. Until I handed him some hot spiced wine. Then he fell in love with me all over again.
So, yes, I LOVE the time change. Yes my body takes awhile to adjust – it’s not even nine pm where I am and I was ready for sleep 30 minutes ago. But you know what? I don’t care. It’s a definite shift of the seasons for me, and in a world of perpetual sunshine, the fall’s “fall back” is a lovely signpost to slow down. A breather, if you will, between school starting, and the full swing of the holiday season.
~ Until the next time, cheers – and remember to drink responsibly! ~
My first novel, Demon Soul, is available for the Kindle and the Nook! It makes GREAT Holiday gifts!!! *hint hint* lol!
It’s my favorite day of the year. 🙂
I totally agree, Piper!
I do love Fall and this was an especially cozy, relaxing “fall back” day. Enjoyed the post very much, not looking forward to the freeways tomorrow!
Every newscast this morning said the freeways were horrible – and I have to agree! Hope you navigated them safely, Veronica!
great post!
I love feeling actually rested in the morning having snagged an extra hour of sleep!
Liz
Thanks Liz, and I agree – extra sleep is always a good thing!
Fall back was a huge blessing this time around, especially since I stayed up past 1:00 a.m. reading a novel (super late for me). It’s great with kids too because this time of year, they have stacked up some sleep-deprivation from homework and extra-curricular activities; an extra hour to rest goes a long way. I loved your descriptions of what you like about the time change, Christine.
Julie, I so agree – my boys slept even later than usual!
I love the fall back. I dislike spring forward. After the time springs forward, I’m tired until it falls back. No matter how I try to get more sleep or rest more, I’m just tired. This morning, however, when my alarm went off at 5:00, I didn’t go back to bed after taking care of the the dog.
I’m glad you blogged about the time change. I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
Falling back is my favorite day of the year, I have to admit. Thanks for stopping by, Catie!
Fall and winter are my favorite time of year. I love the crisp cold air, and yes, I’m a snow person. I love snow. I love a crackling fire in the fireplace, and the quality of light this time of year. It’s softer, and has a nice glow to it that the heat of summer washes away. Thanks for the great post!
I love snow – in weekend increments, lol. Not sure how I’d handle living in it, but I’d like to spend one winter in snow country just to see if I could survive! Thanks for dropping in, Roz my lovely!
Oh my!! How did I get that gruesome looking avatar? LOL Gotta look into changing that!
Roz
I love getting that extra hour “fall back” brings! You made me fall in love with the whole time change thing. Although I’ve never been particularly fond of it before. You make it sound so romantic. And that spiced apple cider, I am going to have to make time and get myself over to Trader Joes this week to pick some up. Most definitely! Thank you for planting that suggestion in my head. 🙂
Normally, I hate this semi-annual ritual, although of course the fall one is much nicer than the spring! However, your beautiful post has made me try to see some good in it, despite the upheaval to schedules. This is lovely writing and I am glad I was able to read it.
I have to admit, I don’t care for the change, especially in the spring! This time of year, I don’t like how it gets dark so early after the time change. Although today, it was nice not to have to drive to work in the dark. Thanks for a different way of looking at it!
I don’t love daylight savings but I do love the change in seasons. Our summer is so long and hot that I’m soooo ready for fall when it rolls around. I’m even happy for the rain and fog. 😀
Great post. I’m always amazed at how long it takes my body to adjust, but I like the change. Like another thing to look forward to. 🙂
Crackling fire and warm beverage, sold! 🙂 I love Fall back but despise spring forward. It just doesn’t work for me. LOL