fall is f a l l i n g

Being from Texas, I'm beginning to realize that my concept of "seasons" is a little, well, off. People always joke and say we only have 2 seasons in Texas, Summer and Winter. I'm not sure I agree. I think Fall and Spring make an appearance. The problem is, it's hardly noticable and usually happens overnight. For example, one day it is 85 degrees and the next morning you wake up, it's 55 degrees, and the leaves that were on your tree yesterday are all on the ground. Raking and leaf pile jumping take place once, and then, we're on to Winter....well, "winter" for Texas, that is. (i'm sure i'll be blogging about winter differences several times before the end of the year!).


Up here...Fall actually started at the beginning of September. Temperatures gradually became cooler, and the leaves slowly changed from green to other vibrant colors...instead of directly to crunchy, dead brown. I have actually seen people raking their yards multiple times. Pumpkins survive on porches for weeks without rotting due to the heat. I can enjoy apple cider in October instead of waiting until December or January. And, I do believe I will manage to make more than one batch of pumpkin bread this year.


What's been happening here, aside from the gorgeous changing of seasons? My parents were just in for a visit. They spent the first few days taking day trips together while Keith and I were occupied with school and work. Then, over the weekend, we put the nursery together!! How strangly wonderful it is to walk into the room and see the crib, the rocker, the changing table. I have been really nervous about labor. Those naughty nerves have prevented me from pondering beyond labor to the new life we will have with our little lovie. With the nursery in place, I find myself sitting the the glider, rocking back and forth, with a smile on my face - this is where our little boy will sleep, play, live, laugh, cry, get sick, etc. I can honestly say, I am less nervous now. (As you can see...the room serves 3 purposes - study, guest bedroom, and nursery. Don't worry, if you come to visit, we won't make you sleep with Baby D. We'll take that bed, you can have ours!)



Two weeks ago Keith and I drove to Boston for the weekend, enjoying the foliage along the way. I had a conference for work and all expenses were paid by the hospital!! The conference was hosted by IMIA (International Medical Interpreters Association). Very beneficial, I must say. While I was in workshops and meetings during the day, Keith stayed in the room to study. Once I was done, we were able to hit the town with some new friends from work. We enjoyed a great dinner in the North End...which is essentially the "Little Italy" of Boston. YUM!!!



Speaking of new friends...let me introduce you to Jennifer. She is a fellow interpreter at work, but becoming a fast friend! We have a great time together. Her husband is a Fellow at the hospital, so very busy like Keith. Therefore, we keep each other entertained. Life at work, and outside of work, is a little brighter with Jen around.