It's in the Air

This is my favorite time of year in Key West. The major tourism events are over, the humidity has finally gone, and the holidays are just around the corner. We've actually had a brief hot spell, but today's forecast promises a return to coolness with falling temps this afternoon. My windows will be open and the curtains will be blowing in the breeze. And that breeze is what late fall/winter in Key West is ALL about. It's just heavenly....cool air with the scent of the sea and tropical flowers somewhere in the background.

This is the time of year that I truly appreciate living here. The light changes to make the shadows deeper. Flowers and plants that were on break from last fall and winter and just bursting with blooms. After struggling to wake up in darkness each morning (is it 2:30 in the morning or 6:30? Both looked the same before daylight savings arrived a few weekends ago) my whole family starts stirring as the sun starts to rise. And after a full day of doing whatever it is we do, it's refreshing to see the sun start to set earlier. Especially when you may need to grab a light sweater or wrap to sit outside and enjoy it. People have told me that they could never live here year-round because they would miss the seasons. Ours are certainly different than those of the mid Atlantic region, but each season is distinct and brings its own pleasures. Maybe we just have to look for them a little harder.

It has been busy, busy, busy here on Duncan Street. I haven't had the time to sit down and write a blog post since October 30! In the last few weeks we have covered everything from getting braces to redoing the girls' room to organizing a large-scale school event. And don't forget that pesky kitchen renovation, lurking in the background of all the other activities and events. I am thrilled to report that the new counter tops arrive tomorrow. Those plywood counter tops WILL NOT be missed! We still have some painting to do throughout the house and one wall of accent wallpaper to hang, but after the construction and mess and long wait for completion, I am looking forward to tackling some easy DIY stuff.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I am so happy that my obligations are met and our home is falling into place just now, the week before the big day. I am extremely thankful this year for many, many things. I am looking forward to cooking my favorite meal of the year in the new kitchen space, and to serving it to family and friends on the long dining table we had moved from Maryland. The table was the board table at one of John's father's banks (he was president of five banks in his career). His parents had it refinished and used it for a dining table for many years, and they passed it on to us when we finished the major reconstruction on our 1897 row house in Frederick. That table held hors d'oeuvres at our wedding reception, rows of silver julep cups at our annual Kentucky Derby bashes, and Mari 'cruised' between the chairs while she was learning to walk. I look forward to making many more memories gathered together around it here in Key West.