A week ago today I had decided to change our bedding in recognition of fall. The nights before had been so cool, cotton sheets and a light blanket just didn't suffice to keep us comfortably warm and it interfered with a good night's sleep. So last week I exchanged the cotton sheet sets for a set of flannel sheets. And included a light-weight duvet. So that night we slept deeply and comfortably.

 

And then suddenly the weather did a U-turn. It became so warm we no longer put the fireplace on in the evening for added comfort. Yesterday afternoon the temperature high hit 31C. I prepared what I thought was an appropriate meal, filling tortilla shells with fresh chopped vegetables and cheese and baking the finished product to a flavourful crispness. 

 

 

Last night in bed started off well enough. We sank into the warmth and comfort of the flannel sheets because by then the night air felt a bit cooler. It didn't take long, however, before we were throwing off the duvet, and then followed with the flannel top sheet. Our discomfort didn't seem to communicate to Jackie and Jillie, they continued to sleep well. 

 

 

Today, same weather, clear skies, an overheated sun and hot temperatures. By the time we went out for our afternoon walk through the forest trails the thermometer was nudging 30C again. But we had dressed for it, and felt good enough. Well the truth is summer in fall is not totally unexpected. We usually do have a week of  unusually mild weather around mid- to late-October. Not with temperatures quite like these, but warm.

 

 

And it's been enjoyable. Anything that can put off the entry of cold, windy, wet weather is a boon. It's been a little festive, actually, a kind of freedom from weather of the season. But it's coming to an end. It'll be slightly cooler tomorrow with a projected high of 26C, but windy and overcast. Nature is preparing us for a notable transition. The following days, Friday, Saturday, Sunday set to be much, much cooler. And rainy. But we've had a good run, and the bright side of that is that we'll sleep better.

 

 

Our neighbours are already beginning to prepare for seasonal succession. Those to the right of us contracted with a company to put up a display of Christmas lights across their roof. They're meant to be permanent, but controlled from below. Our neighbour said he's getting too old to mount ladders and do the yearly decorations. I've noticed the lighting company is doing a booming local business.

 

 

That same neighbour is busy down at ground level preparing to decorate for an earlier celebration, that comes along at month's end, Hallowe'en. There are already skeletons and ghastly monsters on their lawn. They'll add sound effects on the evening in question. They're really given to outward displays of light and sound during these public celebratory events. That takes the energy of cherished childhood remembrance.