Let me be the first to wish TAS readers a happy autumnal equinox. (10:21 this morning, Right Coast Time.)  No one where I live — that being Tampa — is looking for frost on the pumpkin this weekend, official fall or no. But the change of season is evident in many places on the mainland. Go ahead and dig out the sweaters. You’ll need them sooner or later (much later here).

I’m sure that many Americanos in northern latitudes are sorry to see an end to summer, bringing with it the melancholy knowledge that winter is not far away. But hereabouts, over-blessed as we always are with the glories of summer, most are glad to say goodbye to the sweaty armpit of another long Florida summer. Those who live here, or who have visited between May and October understand, without having to be told, why the legend on Florida license plates is, “It’s NOT a Dry Heat,” and why the state flower is mildew. But even in more northern precincts the beauty of fall has to be catalogued as one of God’s many blessings, a magic time provided for our enjoyment.

Happy fall. But wait at least another month before you visit Florida.