Fall in the US is known as Autumn here

Last weekend there was a cold snap in London. I had to turn on the heating, which seemed really odd for the first weekend in October. Even after all these years outside of Tampa, I still think of October as a warm month. In fact, despite the fact that this summer had about three hot days--I don't even think I really opened the windows all the way once--I was sort of secretly happy to wake up to a chill. Perhaps Fall and following Winter is sort of form of Stockholm Syndrome. My first year here in London I was steeled to face the Winter dark mornings and afternoons, cold weather, endless grey days. I find myself almost looking froward to it now. That first cold snap morning, I was shocked to find myself thinking how pleasant it was to be able to wrap up and go out for a brisk walk. Leaves are turning yellow, red, brown and covering the pavements (sidewalks). I have in fact come to really enjoy and anticipate the cold weather. What the heck is that all about?

Autumn reminds me of at least three things:

1) Packing with my Mum for my first year at college at Emory. I had three (3!) wool sweaters, a severe Prince Valiant bangs and bob hair style and a pink peter pan colored button up shirt. It was August/September 1980, and I was so excited to head up to Emory in Atlanta; where they had fall and winter.

2) My roommate Allison (she was from Indiana and Illinois so she knew about winter) in our two-bedroom apartment in Buckhead post-college, coming out one Saturday morning in the fall swathed in a big cable-knit sweater, saying "I know I'm rushing the season."

3) Hayrides and hoe-downs with the Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church youth group and football games at Chamberlain High School.

What do you think about Fall; by the way here in the UK they always correct me when I say Fall, with a curt "You mean Autumn."

Sadly, Chuck still drinks Bud

Had some visitors in late summer, Chuck and Susan. I know them both from my Atlanta days. In fact I take total credit for their marriage since I introduced them to each other. However, I cannot take credit for Chuck's terrible taste in beer. Despite visiting the beer capital of the world, Chuck continued to purchase and drink American Budweiser.

We had a great time while they were here, theatre, art exhibits, good food, shopping; plus long conversation between old friends. However, I fear for my friends. He may be an esteemed architect and Susan a sophisticated museum director, but Chuck still drinks Bud.