Finally September

September 04, 2012

Well, I am looking forward to the calming effect of September. That moment when the "winds change," as I like to think of it. I say calming because this is the time of year when I feel that the fun, games, and heat of summer give way to the cool days of autumn, and we get a break before the rush of holiday times later in the year. September is when school kicks back into full gear for many children, including mine; this means routines to start, reinstating early to bed and early to rise habits.

Football season starts again, and as with baseball in April, fans can enjoy this first month with anticipation because no matter what, it's a long season and nothing can be determined for certain in the first few weeks. Kansas City's Renaissance Festival begins, Labor Day brings us out for one last long weekend before the harsh reality of winter, it seems as if every municipality in the area has a fair or festival to commemorate their proud history, and we get the Plaza Art Fair later in the month.

September typically means cooler evenings but still warm days (I have gone swimming in a friend's pool as late as September 30 when the high was 90, but I still felt like the water was freezing because the previous night was 50 degrees). September is also my wife's birthday month, so of course, I had better remember that if I want to avoid sleeping on the couch. September is also when the new television season typically starts, offering up new episodes of favorite programs as well as new shows to cheer or berate.

I also look back with fond memories of working as a character in the haunted houses down in the West Bottoms. September always meant the haunted house season was beginning, and it was time to give a thrill to the patrons who made their way through the warehouses converted into creepy sets with dim lighting and chilling characters. I can still smell the fog machines and sawdust in those places.

I hope this autumn is pleasant for all who read this, and I encourage a visit to the Library on those cool, rainy nights when you need to find a good book to read or film to watch. And don't forget the added advantage of being open until 9:00 p.m. during the week!

Tim P.
Smithville Branch