Bourbon After Labor Day — Changing Seasons; Love & Life
Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer. Retire the white pants to the back of the closet. And Sunday morning’s chilly 46 degree start to the day reminds us — ready or not — autumn is soon upon us. September 1 was the last sunset at 8 p.m. or later in Lincoln, Nebraska until April 9.
September is the ninth month of the year. It is also spelled with nine letters. It is the only month whose number in the calendar year is the same as its number of letters.
I’ve always loved the change of weather here in the Midwest. Those moments between the last days of summer and the start of fall. Warm days. Cool nights. The Boys of Summer turning to Fall Classic. Soups. Piles of leaves. Bonfires.
The change in temperature brings changes to our food and drink lifestyles too. For me I mark the change of season with the change of my favorite beverages. I’m not sure when it started, maybe as a young professional. Gin in the Summer and Bourbon in the Fall/Winter. A lovely, crisp Pinot Grigio on the patio to a jammy, smokey Zinfandel in front of the fire.
Change can be difficult. Like others who are close to me, my life has had plenty of change the past few months. Loss is part of life. Loss of parents, loss of love, loss of hope.
In May my heart was breaking — Oh, wide the wound, and deep! And bitter it beat at waking, And sore it split in sleep. And when it came November, I sought my heart, and sighed, “Poor thing, do you remember?” “What heart was that?” it cried. — Dorothy Parker
Thankfully new memories and new traditions will replace the past. So join me in raising a glass of bourbon to the Autumn breezes. Cheers!
