It feels like fall this back to school Thursday.

Temps will soar again today, but the cool mornings and the false overcast caused by our smoke filled skies make it feel like fall at least for the first few hours of the day.

I’m missing my summer help today which is also contributing to the fallish feeling. Summer came and disappeared in a blur and though our many hours spent together at the shop this summer were certainly not without the occasional dust up, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

I cherish the opportunity to spend time working with (and occasionally even fishing with) my son John, even if he doesn’t share my passion for all things fly fishing. His rowing skills have improved tremendously this season and he is definitely starting to know his way around the fly bins. Add to this his developing customer service skills along with an adequate set of grounds keeping and maintenance skills and you’ve got great summer help.

The first day of school is always a time of reflection and disbelief….more so each year. Somehow he is a junior in high school this year. I’m not sure how that happened. I don’t know how it’s even possible but it’s a fact. Yet another reminder of life passing by…of the likelihood of more years behind me than ahead of me. A day filled both with existential angst and pride. Angst as it relates to the stark reminders of mortality and pride as it relates to watching him grow and mature each year.

Anyways, farewell to August. It’s been a nice break from the chaos of June and July but we are ready to embrace the chaos again. It’s a welcome return to autumn.

Back to fishing next time…