And so it begins my friends, that incredible battle between Fall and Winter. As winter ties to sweep in covering the ground in its cool blankets of snow, and Fall not ready to let go tries hard to melt the snow, as it falls, where it lands. Like two little boys fighting over who will be first in line. But no matter how lovely a picture I create with my words the fact remains it’s a tricky time of the year.

Parents’ send kids off to school with hats, mitts and winter coats, and by recess time they shed them and run around in their t-shirts. The next thing we deal with is the running noses, sneezing and the “almost cold” where yes they are coughing and have a runny nose, but they still feel generally okay.

As adults its a yucky time for everything, no longer can I hang my laundry on the line, or jump in the car without having to scrape a hard film of ice from the windshield. As teachers we have to force the kids out at recess on the colder days, and they often try to find ways to procrastinate with the dressing process. We start then 5 mutes before to ensure they have enough time to put everything on, but they we are taking time from their learning. Oh yes indeed there are those days when they are driving us crazy and we say who cares about those extra 5 or 10 minutes.

Worse yet are the indoor recess days. Often the time at recess and the before and after school time are likely the only times many kids will spend outside. For many they get home and get out the Xbox or Play station and fresh air and sunshine are soon forgotten.

Here in the bush the kids are the same, coats thrown on the picnic table as they race about in the cool air playing tag.

So all I ask is for Winter and fall to figure it out quickly. Is it Winter or is it Fall, stop fighting and pick a season boys. Who is it going to be.