Alva James-Johnson: Cooler weather brings new experiences

Now that the weather is cooling off, I'm back in the walking mood.

Not that I've avoided exercise all summer long. I did walk around the neighborhood a few times and play a little tennis.

However, some days it was just too hot to exert such high levels of energy. So I resorted to indoor activities at peak hours. And that's coming from someone who loves hot weather.

Now that fall is here, I have to admit that there are some advantages to cooler temperatures, as long as they are above 60 degrees.

So I've already started venturing out a little more with my dog, Country.

When I get home from work, he jumps and leaps as I put on my sneakers. He knows I mean business, and it's time to explore.

I'm sure Country also is anxious to relieve himself after being tied up all day. So we have a relationship that's mutually beneficial.

This week, the rain interrupted our little excursion. But even looking out the window can be interesting.

Yesterday, as I drove into our neighborhood, I saw a rainbow. So I parked by the side of the road and snapped a picture on my iPad.

It's also refreshing to see nature make its slow transition from lush landscape to winter wonderland.

In between, there's fall, and the trees are already beginning to change colors. Last year, I counted at least 7 different shades in my neighborhood. I look forward to the full colorful display in just a few weeks.

Fall is also a great time for hayrides, hot cider and warm blankets. The sun sets earlier at night, which seems to bring the family closer together. And there's nothing like fall fashion. Soon I'll be wearing my favorite jackets and socks -- colorful to match the season, of course.

I'm also anticipating fall break, when my oldest daughter will return from college for a few days. That will definitely be a new experience now that she's more independent.

The change of seasons is one of the things that I like most about living in the Chattahoochee Valley. After living in New York and Omaha, Neb., we moved to South Florida, where I welcomed the tropical climate.

I thought my days with fall and winter were over, and that was just fine with me. Then we moved to Georgia, and I began to realize what I was missing.

Life has a way of taking you in directions you never expected, and to places you never knew existed. And that's what makes it such a great adventure, along with all the interesting people you meet along the way.

That doesn't mean that I won't be complaining in a few months when the cold returns again. But at least I'll know it's only temporary and another season will be around the corner.

Until then, I'll just take it one day at a time, exploring the great outdoors.

Alva James-Johnson, at 706-571-8521 or on Facebook at AlvaJamesJohnsonLedger.

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 10:25 PM with the headline "Alva James-Johnson: Cooler weather brings new experiences ."