Although winter doesn't officially begin for more than a month from now, Dec. 21, to be exact, today, the end of daylight-saving time is always a little nostalgic for me.
A large slice of fall is already over and the burst of energy and efficiency I seem to get when the days turn crisp and cool, that feeling of being able to accomplish everything I have planned, begins to fade.
I am aware again of how much I miss seeing my San Francisco daughter. We are another year older and have spent our birthdays, both at the end of October and only four days apart, away from each other. Now that the days will seem shorter, I realize it is time to make plans for Thanksgiving, put the remainder of my "transition" clothes away and pull out the winter comforters.
While I am checking to see if any winter coats are missing buttons, I must also remember to donate those the family no longer needs to the H. Pearce office at 88 Broad St., on Nov. 7 for the annual Guilford coat drive.
I would like to savor what remains of fall, to enjoy the fast-fading colors and the sight of pumpkins, witches and ghosts peeping from my neighbor's windows and doors. In times of uncertainty, and of special importance as we grow older, is the ability to "live in the moment." It is sometimes difficult to appreciate and enjoy each season if while chrysanthemums still color our window boxes and doorways, our merchants are showing Christmas items covered with snowflakes and playing "Jingle Bells" on the music system.
While we are still being encouraged to spend, spend, spend via a veritable avalanche of discount coupons arriving daily, it is now considered "in" to be both chic and cheap. In other words, it is OK to run up the credit card bill as long as you aren't indulging in extravagant items.
The former leaders of the fashion pack known as "fashionistas" are adopting the new moniker of "recessionistas." I think it is time Americans grew up and ousted all "istas."
Meanwhile, here are some suggestions for a few enjoyable events which should help to make fall linger just a little longer:
- Take in the color on the lovely drive to East Haddam and then see the excellent Goodspeed Opera House production of "Big River," which continues through Nov. 30, www.goodspeed.org.
- Grandchildren would love "How to Make a Monster: the Art and Technology of Animatronics" at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, www.discoverymuseum.org.
- Attend free Thursday evening Meet the Artist events at the Guilford Art Center, www.handcraftcenter.org, and the many free readings and book signings by well-known authors at R.J. Julia Booksellers, www.rjjulia.com, in Madison.
- Combine a free Saturday movie with a tour of the galleries at the Yale Center for British Art, www.yale.edu/ycba, in New Haven.
- Delight in the taste of anything and everything that tastes like fall ... apples, cider, chutney and anything pumpkin, pumpkin bread, pumpkin ice cream and, of course, pumpkin pie.
Let us all hold onto and enjoy these precious "before-winter" days.
Jean Cherni
is founder of Senior Living Solutions, a retirement advisory
service. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or
15 The Ponds, Branford 06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
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