When I saw the weather forecast last week, I started to get a bit excited. Finally, the temperatures would start to get a bit cooler. In a post from a few weeks ago, I did mention that we had really had a rather warm summer, to the point of being unpleasant. The month of September has really been pretty OK, but still on the warm side.
Before I sound like I really am complaining, let me clarify: I actually have enjoyed wearing shorts for the past 4 months. But, I do like that moment when the temperature breaks, and the season starts to change. Furthermore, because we did not have much rain in the summer, we never got any brief periods of relief from the heat, which I missed.
Last Wednesday, I wore shorts to my dentist appointment, and when my Zahnärztin greeted me, she exclaimed how happy she was that the summer had been long. She is very sporty and likes to ride bikes, swim, and hike; just about anything outdoors suits her fine. I agreed that I had kind of enjoyed the time myself, though I did sort of realize just how little physical activity I do in comparison to what she does.
The weather reports were all keying in on the fact that it would actually be the first day of autumn when we would really see a difference in temps. However, last Friday evening, the evening became a little brisk, which wasn't really a big deal, except I had still elected to wear shorts. My mom probably would have described it as "delightfully cool," and I would tend to agree, but by the time I was getting ready to go home from the pub, I was kind of wishing I was wearing longer pants.
Yesterday, the first day of autumn, was chilly. And I loved it. And I still wore short pants, thinking that I would press my luck one last time (or two) before making the change back to pants and jeans.
It rained for most of the day, which made for an enjoyable time to sit out on the balcony with a cup of coffee and just celebrate the change of season. Fall and winter are my favorites, and that first crisp (albeit soggy) day is always particularly great.
I did not do anything special, I simply enjoyed the day for what it was. I got some piano time in, also some mediation, then went over to the pub to watch the Arsenal. During halftime, I went outside for a ciggy and ran into my neighbor who was on the way home from walking the dog. He, too, was wearing shorts and we both joked that we were still wearing summer attire....probably for the last time this year. Said neighbor Jens and I had already discussed the abusive heat of the summer and our anticipation of the weather changes.
So, today I put on jeans for the first time. As I write this, my legs are still getting used to having something on them. I mean, really, I cannot remember ever having gone so many months without wearing long pants. This is when things will be interesting around the neighborhood for the next few weeks. On the street, I am quite sure that I will see a lot of people suddenly wearing scarves and coats (even though the temperature is only "delightfully cool," and not cold) Likewise, there will still be a few people who will continue to do their shorts and flip-flops routine for the next little while. This will likely be a topic of conversation tonight at the kiosk. Monday nights at the Kiosk are always great for checking out the fashions.
I am not saying that we always make comments about what people are wearing, but we regularly see things which cause us to have a giggle or at least raise an eyebrow. Last week, for example, three guys walked up to buy something at the Kiosk. All were wearing denim shorts (rather form fitting, as they tend to be) and t-shirts that accentuated their large bellies. True, everyone in our Monday evening group is about the same age, and we are a good 20 years older than these guys were. Someone remarked that they didn't wear tight clothes when they were that age, which is true. 20 years ago, we tended to wear baggier clothing. Part of that has to do with the fashions at the time, and part of it has to do with the fact that none of us particularly likes such form fitting clothing. No one said fat bastard or anything like that. I did make a small comment that I have no intentions of starting to carry a man-purse, but again, that is simply my personal choice.
After all, I do enough things in my routine life that give people reason to chuckle. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was standing outside the pub. This alone is no reason to laugh. Furthermore, wearing baggy shorts gives no real opportunity to make a comment, despite the size of my legs. However, I had just bought a fresh pack of cigarettes, and as I do, I started packing them before I opened the box. This is a common thing among American smokers...at least from where I come from.
Unfortunately, I did not notice the busker who was just about to start playing his guitar. During the summer months, it is normal for someone to come by and play for a few minutes, then walk around and pass the hat for a few euro. This particular man had played countless times over the years, and he plays very well. But, there is no quiet way to pack a box of cigarettes. You slap the top of the box against the palm of your hand, and it sounds exactly like you are clapping. This is what I did for a good 15 seconds before I realized that EVERYONE, including the guitar player (who hadn't even played a chord yet) was looking in my direction. Crowded patio at the pub on a warm summer's evening. One guy "clapping" even though no music had (or was being) played...
I realized how silly it looked and checked my pockets for coins. Although I normally give the guy the odd euro from time to time anyway, this time around I was certainly on the hook.
The man played his brief set, and I smiled sheepishly as I put a few coins in the hat when he came round. He probably thinks I am now a big fan. Jeez.
Well, like the song goes, "When you're happy and you know it..."
see you out there
bryan
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