Holidays in the south....

Thanksgiving will be upon us soon, followed closely by Christmas.  So why don't I feel the holiday spirit?  Why does it feel like it is still summer?  Oh, yes....because we are in FLORIDA!!!!  I don't say this as a good thing.  I lived 32 3/4 of my life in Northwest Indiana, and I am not adjusting well to this perpetual summer and half-a$$ed fall and winter!  Now, don't get me wrong.  Not all of it is bad.  I suppose I don't miss the nose-hair-freezing days, and I will say it is nice not having to snowblow my way out the door....but I miss my snow and I miss my fall.  This will be our second year here, and I'm still not used to a warm November and slightly chilly December.  My girls say it's just not Christmas without snow.  However, they weren't complaining last year when they found rollerblades and a skateboard under the tree and were actually able to go outside and use them the same day.  I do enjoy many aspects of life here.  My husband is much happier with his new job and has actual friends.  It was hard for him to have a social life during his 13 year stint on the midnight shift.  My girls are adjusting very well to school and have wonderful new friends.  So, I suppose if my biggest complaint is the weather, I should be thankful.  But dang it....I MISS IT!!!!  I miss hayrides on a cool crisp autumn evening.  I miss our trips to the apple orchard, and the smell of freshly pressed cider (have you ever tried to find a good apple in Florida?  Impossible!).  I miss the excitement of the first gentle snow of the season, and a moonlit walk amongst the pines with the snow crunching under your boots.  There's nothing like the smell of wet wool after a day of sledding, or the feel of a childs cold nose against your cheek as you warm them up.  When we were in the midst of moving, all I heard was, "You are so lucky....moving somewhere warm!"  But, in my heart, I was thinking, then you go.  I'll stay here and snuggle with my hubby under a warm blanket, while listening to the winter wind whip around my window.  Well, with that off my chest, I suppose I will go make my Thanksgiving dinner list.  And NO....we are not having turkey on the grill!