It’s the first day of September.
Although not the official beginning of fall—that doesn’t happen for about three weeks—it’s the real beginning of autumn in my book. And this despite the fact that it’s well into the nineties today where I live.
But when this time of year comes, my hands itch to clean up. Not the yard, but my closets and drawers and cupboards. Despite my best efforts, over time the stuff accrues, and I see that the metaphorical weeding must begin. And although I’m no hoarder, it still can be a wrench to make those decisions and toss things forever.
But how deeply satisfying, to roll out that drawer and actually be able to find what I’m looking for! To cart the detritus to Goodwill (I’ve given up on consignment stores; it’s never been worth the effort for the few piddling coins my goods seem to fetch.)
It’s a task which—unlike so many others, whose rewards remain more abstract and amorphous—offers instant and graphic gratification. And if it’s somewhat Sisyphean (not to mention Augean)—well then, it always feels so good to stand momentarily at the peak of that hill, with the illusion of a finished task.
Previously a lifelong Democrat, born in New York and living in New England, surrounded by liberals on all sides, I've found myself slowly but surely 
September 1st, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Since you are here in New England, wait until after Saturday. I think we’ll have plenty to clean up from our friend Earl’s visit.
September 1st, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Neo, there is no such thing as “the official beginning of fall” — or any other season. It’s a myth.
September 1st, 2010 at 7:59 pm
I still haven’t done my spring cleaning yet.
September 1st, 2010 at 8:03 pm
That’s a cool link, Sundog.
September 1st, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Here in TX, my definition of the end of summer is Sept1/Labor Day. After those dates, the daily high is usually 95 or below. The 100 degree days of August are over. Once you’ve experienced 105, 95 is pretty comfortable.
Winter? What winter?
September 2nd, 2010 at 5:17 am
Drats, you might have hooked me with that last line. I am doing far too much as is. Still… as a “new” “home owner”, my life is changing in the oddest of ways. One might think I am attempting to become civil, right, uhrm… domesticated. Bah! But that hook is sooo good.
Anyway, good luck on getting to your deed. May the joy of completion and the clarity of life be a blessing. Or, something like that.
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
Sundog, is it “official” or not, but the astronomic fall does begins 22 September, or in some years 23 – when autumn equinox occures. Since this day Sun spends above the horizon less time than under it.
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:01 am
“Since this day Sun spends above the horizon less time than under it…”
… in the northern hemisphere, where most of the Earth’s people actually live.