what surprises me is not the sudden october cold. i mean, we're in rhode island for cripes sake. that it is 40 degrees today (although topping out at fifty) doesn't blow my socks off. it might chill them a bit, that's all.

what surprises me is watching the young people walk around with coats and scarves and hats, arms crossed tightly across their chest to preserve heat. like it's winter.

which i guess is no big surprise at all, really. really it's only a surprise in the context of the next big surprise -- that i'm not one of them. that i'm walking around, sleeveless dress and sweater, thinking, how lovely and crisp, today.

i'm not saying it's a completely successful migration -- i still flinch in the freaking cold -- but i am just a little impressed with my adaptive powers.

siberia, here i come.