It was a few days ago – Jim had leftovers so I was on my own for dinner. I decided on a trip to the “slightly further away but also much nicer” Taco Bell and headed out.
I ordered my food and considered eating it there – I had brought a book with me – but decided that eating in that soul-less restaurant was less healthy for me than the food.
(2 chicken enchilada burritos, nacho fries, and a medium pepsi)
I got my food and figured it was just warm enough to eat in the park.
Once at the park, I began to regret my decision. It was, as I found, not quite warm enough. I found a picnic bench in the deserted park as far from shade as I could get and positioned myself in full view of the soon-to-be setting sun.
I ate my burritos quickly as I read my book – playing that careful game with the wind and the napkins to prevent everything from blowing away.
When I was done, I packed up my trash and headed to the trashcan and then back towards my car.
As I walked down the sidewalk I realized that the wall next to me was warm. The bricks had soaked up all the heat from the sun and felt like a slowly cooling oven. I pressed my hand to the bricks and smiled – then leaned into the wall and pressed my cold head against the bricks.
It felt like a warm and kind hug and I could have stayed there until the sun set. Instead, I pulled myself away and went home. It was just a moment…
Earlier today, I took the dogs outside at lunch time and stopped in the shadow of a tree. I considered going back inside to get a coat – it was that cold – but then I took another step into the sunlight. And for a moment, it was like summer again.
Then a breeze came and cloud obscured the sunbeam. And soon it was time to go back inside.
Tonight, Jim was driving as we ran errands and went to dinner. I was in the passenger seat with my eyes closed, lulled by the steady noise of the car and the warmth on my face. Just for a moment, it was peaceful.
I think that might be my favorite season.
Late fall, with an unexpected splash of summer.