Ok, so it’s not quite officially fall yet on the calendar, but the weather is telling me otherwise. I spent three days barely taking a step outdoors so I could do battle with my first (and hopefully only) sinus infection of the season. Unfortunately duty called today and I had to make an appearance at the office while still battling evil Mr. SI (sinus infection).

So I stepped out on the porch this morning and was smacked right in the face by *gasp*….FALL! Where did this lovely weather come from?

It amazes me every year how we can go from blazing-hot fry-an-egg-on-your-car-can’t-breathe heat and humidity to cool crisp autumn-esq temps in a matter of a few blessed rain-filled days. I stepped out of the visitor center a minute ago and thought, “Wow…it’s QUIET!” …hearing only the quiet of crickets and a few stubborn katydids. No cicadas…a few of their bodies litter the parking lot. The birds started piping up about mid-morning, though not with their usual gusto. I assume they’re busy packing their bags for migration or have already started grouping up for the flight north.

I know, I’m waxing poetic here, but bear with me - fall is DEFINITELY my favorite time of year. Except spring. And snowy days. And summer days enjoyed at the lake.

I’m also very inconsistent.

Another awesome thing this time of year brings - FOOTBALL! Well, except this might be a long season for my Chiefs. They look terrible. The Texans handed them their first loss in what looks to be a tedious season. Ugh.

But this fall means the end of my last summer as a park ranger. I should feel sad, but I don’t. What started out as an incredibly fun and satisfying career has become an annoying, take-all-my-time-and-never-feel-appreciated job. I think I’m not the only one feeling this way. It’s making it much easier to vacate the premises...without a doubt time to move on.