Fall, In Love

The weather turned this week here in our little corner of the world. Last week, we had 90-degree days. This week, we're in the 70s and low 80s. And the air has that clear blue, crisp feel (ok, today it's overcast, but generally) that just makes you feel happy all over.

One of the amazing things about fall down here is that it almost seems like a second spring. Plants that had long-since gone dormant under and onslaught of 100-degree days and scorching sunlight are turning green again, stretching up into the cool sky as if they, too, are just happy to be alive. The hedge roses we planted in May are suddenly blooming like mad, and every time I step out the front door, I get a whiff of their sweetness.

And then, of course, there are the fall TV shows. Last night, I had to check out Kid Nation and Gossip girl, and my reaction to both is "eh." Survivor:babies is kind of interesting, but I just can't stop the ticker in the back of my head saying "what parent lets their eight year old do this?" Plus, the whole exercise is way too structured -- adults are still calling pretty much all the shots, the kids have only the illusion of freedom.

As for Gossip Girl, either it's really not very good, or I have finally started to overcome my embarrassing obsession with teen-oriented shows. I just couldn't get interested in the stories of this over-rich, over-indulged kids. Guess I won't be adding that one to my Tivo list.

There are only a few more new shows I'm interested in seeing this season -- Pushing Daisies is the only one I can think of at the moment. SO there's an entirely realistic chance that we'll end up watching less TV this year than last (since two of my favorite shows, Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars, were cancelled last year). I'd have to imagine that would only be a good things. At least, it'll leave more time for sipping cocktails on the porch while playing Settlers of Catan.