As the colors change, so do many small things on the island. The one grocery store has cut back to winter hours, which means on Sunday it is only open for two hours. The grocery store has also closed-up some of the shelves. During the winter, a small fraction of the store disappears under plastic wrap and we won't see it again until May. Winter hours also cause new inconveniences in banking because the bank is only open two days a week for a small handful of hours (all while I am working). There are also adjustments to be made by the boat company, and all of the other small businesses around the island. It takes a lot of work to transition into winter in this little remote corner of Michigan.
Fall also means lots of work for islanders. The summer-only crowd hires like crazy to have locals close their houses for the season, or to fix last minute things that can't wait the winter. Roadwork is at an all time high because any little, leftover projects have to be finished quickly. The school is buzzing with end of the quarter insanity and the beginning of basketball season. And, for many of us, the firewood can no longer be put off and we must cut and stack in all of our free time.
Like all good things it must come to an end though. The trees shed their last leaves and ice has been coating everything the last few mornings. Snow is in the forecast, which is unavoidable this late in the year. I am always (secretly) a bit excited for the first big snow though. I don't think it'll be too far off now.
Your turn...What has fall been like for you this year?
Currently listening to...Summertime Sadness - Lana Del Rey
