This post was originally posted in September 2004 when I was deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq. It holds true today.

Thursday, September 30, 2004
Goodbye September


When I was a kid, September and October were always my favorite times of the year. Along the Central Coast of California, the summer months of June, July and August were almost always cool in temperature. Each day the Monterey Bay started off covered in fog until 11am, and then the sun would shine for about 4 hours until the fog rolled back in. I used to love watching the immense wall of fog roll down my street towards me. Anyways, when September and October rolled around the weather finally warmed up to something worthy of summer. It was called the Indian Summer. Why, I have no idea, but that's what they called it. I miss that weather, the air... riding my mountain bike along the beach or up in the mountains above the bay.

For years after I left home I used to dwell on how much I missed that place, but now I dwell on how much I want my kids to be able to enjoy that beautiful place as I once did. I can't wait to take them down along Portola Blvd, or ride bikes with them along the cliffs, across the harbor, and then across the railroad trestle leading to the boardwalk. I long for the day I can walk around Capitola Village and buy them something cool to drink at 'Mr. Toots.' Maybe then my family will understand why I always take things in stride, why I'm always laid back, and why I will always long for the smell of the surf, the salty air, and the cool breeze.

Now that I live in Southern Ohio I've come to enjoy Octobers again, but for a different reason. In never knew what fall was when I was a kid. In Ohio, fall is the explosion of colors on every tree, the warm dry breeze that smells of pollen, and the fun moments from Halloween and Thanksgiving. I'm sure this is what fall is to most of the country, but to me it's all new and very beautiful. Best of all is that my baby girl was born on Halloween, so she will always remind me of my favorite time of the year since of course she is my little pumpkin. My stepson was born on 2 November, so to me his birthday represents the coming of Thanksgiving. (Trust me, on his birthday he's very thankful that we're giving)

So back to reality. I'll be spending my favorite month of October here in Iraq, where it's dry, hot, and where all the trees are off base and too distant to enjoy. Even then, I don't imagine they'll be changing colors like ours do back home. Once it starts raining here they say it will rain non-stop through March, with a good mix of thunderstorms. Can you sense the excitement in my words? No? Didn't think so. All I will have to enjoy my favorite time of the year are the pictures I'll find online. Of course I will be looking at photos of Ohio, Monterey Bay, and my children. I hope they find a pile of leaves to jump through for me.

Fall, Santa Cruz California