Well that extra hours sleep would’ve been delightful had it not been for someone who announced, "morning Mum - I'm awake!" … at 06:45am.
I’m a self confessed summer fan. I love those long, balmy evenings when the daylight stretches past 9pm. I love the ease of flinging on shorts and a t-shirt and flapping around in a pair of Havaianas. Which colour today? White, black, brown, taupe, green, grey? Thongs for all occasions. I love the smell of sunscreen. I love sand and salty air at the beach. I love the sweet scent of frangipanis. I love a resort holiday, lazing by the pool. I love a ceiling fan whirring me off to sleep. In the old days, we had a big old two horsepower wall mounted air conditioner. One of my favourite memories is of sleeping in the lounge room on a mattress adorned with my Holly Hobby sheet, being lulled into a slumber by the old rattler’s noisy hum.
Yes, I love summer.
But it seems with daylight saving officially ending last night, the cooler weather is now upon us here in the south. Almost wintery like conditions descended on us in the past 24 hours and I’ve suddenly gone from shorts and t-shirt to fleecy tracky pants and sheepskin moccasins. And why not? For here in isolation-ville, tracky pants will be be my uniform.
The end of daylight saving brings some positives. That lovely dusky twilight when the chill hits the air, streetlights twinkle to life and roasting smells waft from kitchens signalling a cue that dinner is imminent. The woody scents of open fireplaces start permeating through the neighbourhood.
I’m able to cheat the usual bedtime routine and bring it forward now that it’s darker earlier. Within weeks, we’ll have bedtime stories done and dusted by 6:30pm if I have my way. That is until my curious little offspring grasps the concept of time and works out my devious ploy.
The cooler months have their own appeal. Autumn brings picturesque tree lined streets, their leaves turning crimson red, bright orange and earthy brown, before eventually dropping to the ground begging to be raked up. Winter has us layering up clothing, wrapping thick scarves around our necks, and wearing downy puffer jackets to keep the bitter chill from reaching our bones. Of an evening we snuggle up on the couch with polar fleece and minky blankets, and flannelette pjs are worn unashamedly. Nightfall comes early and the days are cold and wet.
Being in this protective isolation is by no means ideal, in fact it’s completely shit - but if I had to choose a time to be hunkered down in my little sanctuary, it’s right now. As the seasons change from cool to bitterly cold, and the days get shorter as we creep toward mid year, I’m ok with staying put.
Stay warm. Stay healthy. Stay at home. And when winter is done and spring comes forth with its blossoms, fruits, colour and warmth, we can embrace the new life the season brings.
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