Spring into Fall

Acclimating to changes in climate is a major concern following a move to a different region of the country. Now that we've gotten past the worst of the summer heat, I'm enjoying what seems to be a second chance at spring. Yes, it's still quite warm with temps getting to high 80's or 90, but the lows are getting lower, down into the low 60's. Plus it takes longer during the day to get to that high, so it's not as hot for as long. Strange to still be wearing shorts and summer clothes in mid-October.
The angle of the sun has changed more than I expected, so that the two-story house next-door now blocks the morning sun from my bedroom windows. On the other hand, the swamp cooler on the roof of the house on the other side reflects the morning sun into the living room. Looks like the house plants that need the most light will be moving to the dining room where the west wall of windows forming a bay will offer the most sun throughout the winter months.
At the same time that I've felt pangs of homesickness for the brilliant fall foliage of the midwest, I'm thoroughly enjoying spring's second chance to blossom. Oleanders are sprouting flowers again. For the first time the climbing rose at the entry has been producing gorgeous yellow blooms. Garden centers are still selling some annuals: I have snapdragons in the bed by the patio now and sweet potato vine in a hanging pot. Pansies are supposed to be good through next May.
The sky remains a "highlight" of every day, usually deeply blue, starkly punctuated by the Franklin Mountains, until always gorgeous final flourish of sunset.