Almost Autumn

When I ask my students what season it is, they reply, "OW-tum." The end of September may be autumn for them and it may be for me when living in the Midwest, but right now in Budapest, Hungary, it is certainly NOT autumn. The weather here is beautiful...no...in fact downright gorgeous. There is absolutely no reason for me to bicker about the weather (a favorite pastime for those of us in the Midwest).

 Every morning, I wake up and glance up to the corner of my window where I can see a slice of sharp blue sky. The temperature is pleasantly cool in the morning and gradually warms up to the cozy 70's. It's perfect running weather in the morning and if there's one thing I've managed to do consistently, it is run. It's not really just about the health benefits...it's more about getting out and moving, walking over Arpad hid, glancing downriver to see Budapest's historical skyline, seeing Margit Sziget, and sweating out any anger/stress/nerves due to any of the following: my students, my colleagues, this nearly impossible to learn language, the nagging question of what I'm doing with my life....you get the picture. Okay, and I'm addicted to the runner's high.

I went for a walk the other night and there were hints of fall in the air. Hints like a subtle whiff of something burning (I never know what it is, but anywhere...the U.S. Hungary, wherever, fall seems to carry with it that burning smell), a rusty tinge on the tips of leaves, and fashionable women everywhere adorning scarves wrapped around their necks like chokers. On my walk last night, under an orange wedge moon, I finally saw the spot where a tree fell down during the Szent Istvan Day storm killing two people. There were wreaths of flowers and pictures and candles sitting atop the stump. I took a moment to pause, remembering that Harpswell and I had been not even two minutes away from that spot on the other side of the bridge.

On a lighter note, it is the WEEKEND and I couldn't be more glad. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 1st!!!!