When Autumn Arrives

Summer, or what was supposed to be summer, is over. The signs are everywhere.

Proof 1: My feet are still wet from the large wave of water thrown my way this morning, courtesy of a passing bus. My office is so cold that my feet still haven't dried out.

Proof 2:The days are already shorter, darker, and unrelentingly wetter.It may only be early September, but the grey has settled itself over Scotland with no signs of dispersing for a final showing of sunshine.

For those of you enduring the 90+ degree heat, this change of weather may seem appealing. For a couple days it might be, but anyone who has lived through a Scottish winter will know that it only gets darker, cooler and wetter from here on out, until around March or April when the sun returns and slowly warms the country back to a balmy 60 degrees.

Despite the dreary weather forecast, autumn is not a total loss. There are lots of things to look forward, like pumpkins, squash, and all those lovely comfort foods I pretend are too heavy to enjoy in summer. One of the cutest things in the world also makes a return about this time of year- school uniforms! In Scotland uniforms are the norm for all years of school, even for 4-5 year old. And when I say uniforms I mean proper jacket, tie, and pleated skirt uniforms. My morning commute is now filled with dozens of tiny ones, looking all proper with their ties, jackets and knee-high socks.

If I have to walk to work in the pouring rain, at least there are cute kids trudging along beside me to put a smile on my face!