Sticky Vicki And The End Of Summer

I'm OVER IT!

I just brought the dog for a walk wearing a light hoodie, tracksuit bottoms and Ugg Tasmans. I literally went to the park at the end of the road and back, and watched him frolic with Dachshunds and a Doodle for maybe ten minutes. Can somebody please tell me why I am SWEATING? Oh yes, it’s because it is late August in Dublin and while it is gloomy and grey out it is also impossibly muggy. The clothes I’m wearing to stay warm at my desk are not the right clothes for outside, oh no. That would be too simple.

Long time readers will know I’m pretty allergic to an Irish summer because it’s just so endlessly disappointing. The last one I can remember being actually consistently great was 2013, coincidentally the year I met Joe. Every day was warm and sunny, everyone knew how to dress, our outdoors plans were never rained off and if the heavens did open, it was an exciting thunder and lightning storm. Perhaps I’m recalling those halcyon days with the rose-tinted glasses of falling in love, but I look back at the photos and see that no, it was a gorgeous season for everyone.

Maybe I could be one of those people who fecks off to Portugal or France for the summer months. We can work from anywhere, so we could load up the car, take the dog and go experience the warmer months somewhere designed for them, somewhere where sunshine is the norm and siestas encouraged. Sigh. Maybe next year…

For now, I am eagerly anticipating autumn. I’m decorating for the new season this Sunday, as I do every early September since we moved in to this house. Out come my fall garlands and wreaths, miniature pumpkins, spiced candles and cosiest throws. I recently went to Penneys and treated myself to seasonal tea towels, disco ball gourds and ghost-shaped napkins, such is my grá for the season. I know the season won’t fully change for weeks yet, that it’ll be October before the nights really close in and I get to light my fire. But even just anticipating my favourite time of year is enough to make me feel peaceful and calm.

No more sweating. No more flies and bluebottles invading my space. No more dreadful hay fever, no more going to bed when it’s still bright out. The kids are back in school, the good shows are due back on the telly any minute. It is my time to shine. I’ve long thought I have some sort of reverse-SAD, that I’m more prone to misery in the brighter months than the darker. The comfort I feel when it’s time to clock off and can actually relax in the twilight is palpable.

I understand it’s not the same for everyone. Lots of people dread the dark evenings and mornings, and it makes life difficult for many who have to commute without light. But honestly, give me a late dawn any day. Neither a night owl nor an early bird, I think I’m some sort of midday macaw. Yeah, that sounds about right.

I also know I’m not alone, and there’s a lovely community of fellow autumn girlies on Instagram who share my enthusiasm for the smell of fires, fallen leaves and snuggle season. It’s our time to shine, ladies!

And pssst…. I have something very exciting on the work horizon that’s perfect for the cosy season. It’s comforting, relaxing and soothing, and I cannot wait to unleash it. Gird your loins!

May I also say, reading is a very autumnal activity. Ahem. As I put the finishing touches to my forthcoming second novel during my favourite time of year, it’s the perfect time to devour my firstborn… REALITY CHECK is available in shops, online, on Kindle, Audible, Spotify and in your local library.