Here we are well into the month of October. But all around us in Central Florida, it seems like a summer time paradise.
I am always impressed by the semi tropical landscape that we have here in Central Floirida. One of the joys of living in our neighborhood is that we see some great examples of landscaping. Without having to go out of our way. Here is a series of photos I stopped to take, yesterday, at the entrance to our neighborhood, on my way back from running an errand.
Yes, I know it is still somewhat balmy in Pennsylvania and other northern areas right now. And October brings its own joys of autumn leaves drifting by the window, and on to the lawn, where they need to be raked up... I also know the there is about a week and a half left before the grey and damp of the third weekend of October sets in, and then, it is like going into a long dark tunnel, more grey and lack of sunshine, not to mention cold and ice, until April or May.
Having lived in Central Florida for 23 plus years the last time, and in northern climes most of the remainder of my life, I have to say I will not miss: raking the leaves, smelling the dampness of the decomposing leaves, scraping layers of ice off the windshield, shoveling lanes of snow off the driveway, wearing bulky coats, gloves and scarves, and mostly, the grey grey skies that are the same color as the pavement for months at a stretch.
While I shall always cherish memories of Pennsylvania and Indiana living, and I have learned like St. Paul, whatever state I am in to be content; nevertheless, Florida is hard to beat. But so many of you knew that already, since you spend a portion of the bleak midwinter down here among the sheltering palms.
So, when you folks up there in your gloomy and frigid Chicagoland condo, or the like, find yourselves in the throes of the unremitting cold and dreariness, take a longing lingering look at this post. And think of me fondly. Spare a thought for me. As I let the sunshine in!
