November Arrives

The day after Halloween.  November 1st.  I cannot tell you how relieved I am not to be a teacher facing over 100 students hyped up on their Halloween candy!  Tough enough on a “normal” day.

The day after Halloween walking through the neighborhood lie dozens of deflated pumpkins and goblins strewn all over lawns.  A testament to the seriousness of holiday decorating in our neck of the woods.  We’re the bah humbug neighbors.  Our days of decorating ended when we became empty nesters.  At least, BH still sits outside with 150 pieces of candy which lasted all of one hour.

The day after Halloween, also known as All Saint’s Day, commemorating all saints whose good works have landed them in heaven, also known as All Hallows’ Day.  We dress up on All Hallows’ Eve to ward off all evil spirits.  But I’m not a believer in heaven or hell or evil spirits with the exception of the one sitting in the White House.

The day after Halloween also means the snowbirds have landed.  Add at least another 15 minutes to get anywhere due to the intense traffic and the fact that every senior citizen has to drive in the left lane even though they have no intention of turning for at least five miles.

Don’t even try to go out to eat unless you’re way more patient than me.  A 45 minute wait is usually the minimum.  Most restaurants will not take reservations unless you have a party of eight or more.  You will notice a lot of Publix salads and Amy’s frozen dinners in my fridge.

November 1st is one fantastic day for us, because that is the day we open up the house after living in air conditioning for seven months.  This past September and October has been the hottest and driest months on record.  How BH goes out there and bikes every day in that stifling heat and humidity is beyond me!  I prefer my indoor exercise in the AC watching Morning Joe!

We are not lovers of AC, although how I ever slept without it growing up in Florida pre-AC is mind boggling.  We didn’t even have fans.  I know my kids are rolling their eyes right now!  Truth, though.

So when that nighttime temp goes below 70 degrees, all the windows go up and the sliding glass doors open and there exists this divine cross breeze flowing through the house.  The birds return, waking us up to their happy noise.  And, I think to myself, is this what heaven is like if I believed in heaven?  I think so.