September

September: the psychological end of the summer. It always seems a shame that September is associated in my mind with the coming of cold Fall weather. Sometimes the most pleasant weather is in early September. Now that I live on Bowen, instead of in southern Ontario, I'll have a whole new weather pattern to become accustomed to!
It's time to get ready for the kids to start school. That means the freedom and lack of routine that is such a welcome part of summer is replaced by tight schedules, homework, lessons and club activites. I'm still trying to get used to living with a ferry schedule, one of the joys of commuter life!
My girls are starting at IPS (private Middle school on Bowen) next week and are very excited about (and somewhat intimidated by) the 4 day hiking trip in Garibaldi Park that kicks off the school year. Me, I'm jealous! What a great ice breaker! Maybe next year I'll volunteer to go along! Or maybe my girls would be happier not to have Mom tagging along. Better find my own fun while they're away and go camping with them another time.
To me, even New Year's Day does not have the same "Fresh Start" feel to it that accompanies the beginning of September. The first days of Spring and Summer are also times of change, but often the weather is not in synch with the calender date and therefore lessens the psychological impact. The beginning of the school year must be a major factor.