So Long Sweet Summer

Unfortunately, summer has left just as quickly as it had arrived, but we were lucky this year since it was extended by a day thanks to the leap year. Maybe it's psychological because the weather has been relatively warm and almost completely summery lately, but sometimes I thought I could sense the change of seasons coming long before 1 March arrived. I feel like the leaves on the trees have been changing for ages. To clarify, autumn is certainly in the air and a lot of the leaves are just starting to change from bright green to other brilliant shades of colour; however, for whatever reason, there have been piles of crunchy, golden leaves in the parking lot outside my apartment for weeks now. It was as if they were there to remind me, maybe even taunt me a little, about the fact that summer would be ending soon. Too soon.

Driving back from the Great Ocean Road, a highlight of my summer

This summer was such a gift and marked the first time I was able to avoid winter for more than twelve consecutive months, which in itself, made it one to be celebrated. It also brought about many other exciting firsts in my life, including a summer Christmas, a beach barbecue, Australia Day, seeing wild penguins and koalas, a summer birthday, and driving on the opposite side of the road. Honestly, the list could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. It's been a truly special time in my life and I feel so blessed and thankful for having had the opportunity to experience it.

Fall has always been my favourite season, especially in New York, but this autumn has hefty shoes to fill since it absolutely was a magnificent summer.