The Wayward Wind

Our fall continues . . . today the wind has been blowing so hard I've been worried one of my trees might fall. It's funny, when I lived in the woods I was rarely concerned about that, even though there were a lot more big trees. One of the reasons I bought a house where I did was because the tall deciduous trees reminded me of living in the woods. Most of the neighborhoods here (and, I've seen, in other neighborhoods throughout Florida) have tiny trees, or none at all. Trees are great in so many ways, most importantly perhaps in providing shade and lowering my electric bill.

Despite my minor fears about falling limbs or entire trees, I love the wind. I stand on my porch and raise my arms and let it blow over me. It's delightful, with or without sunshine -- and I've enjoyed a little of both today. The wind did interfere with my possible pool plans this afternoon, on the last day it's open this season, but it turned out okay. I was able to pace myself with my preparation for my new class and grading for my other classes; I even had time to make a pot of chili and get all my laundry done. One thing I'll say about cooler weather: It inspires me to get moving.

The cool wind may, in fact, have inspired me too much. I had a hard time sticking to any single task and was all over the place. Now, as the sun is setting and it's getting chilly out (the high tonight will be 59, or so it's forecast; time to unpack my winter pajamas!), I feel satisfied by my efforts today. I put way too much pressure on myself to get ready for my class today, and although I consider myself finished and ready, I replaced the "Class Schedule" section of the syllabus with "I will be handing out a detailed schedule withing the first two weeks of class." I didn't add, but thought, "How do I know what the schedule will be? I don't even have a copy of the book yet!"

Everything will be fine tomorrow. The wind carried that message to me. (I'm being silly more than metaphysical. I don't really think the wind is speaking to me.) I'm going outside for a last bit of wind-time.