Fall in in the Air
Fall is in the air.
The leaves are dropping. The days are getting shorter. There is a chill in the air, not quite full-blown winter but close, so close. I haven't turned the heat on yet, but it will happen soon. College football is in full swing. And the fall seasonl beers have arrived in stores.
I've already made one fall purchase, very typical for Seattle: a new raincoat. I last bought a raincoat in 1992, while hanging out with Andi in LA for spring break during our freshman year of college. The raincoat was perfect, considering the need to walk around in the rain to classes. Plus, it was blue and gold. Nearly 15 years later, it was looking a bit ragged and somewhat outdated. When I wore it last May during Tony's visit, i was gently told that it was time to buy a new coat.
Asra and I trekked to REI together. We almost bought the same coats, but then dug around on the sales rack and found cheaper and just as great raincoats, probably last years' model. Several other people were raincoat shopping as well, we all jostled for mirror space and some claimed areas on the racks closest to the mirrors on which to line up their choices. It's just a rain jacket, I thought, but then, Asra and I asked each other repeatedly "what do you think of this one?".
I was warned before moving here that I'd find myself buying things that I never even thought about: a new raincoat, and all-weather shoes. I nodded my head solemnly and thought, "I don't doubt that it won't happen." Already, I've made more trips to REI in six months than in the past 5 years (three, although once was when someone was visiting and wanted to check it out). I know that I'll be on the lookout for all weather shoes, after I make a couple of treks through the rain getting to and from work. And I know that soon, I'll be forced to purchase warmer gym clothes, although I really knew this last February.
The joys of living in a new city: shopping. Fall is indeed in the air.