Quick Change

by Nick Coons
Sep 17, 2003

Everyone, join with me now: Open the hood of your car, and disable the air conditioning system because it's not going to be needed for much longer. Actually, I didn't really break my air conditioner, it happened all on its own just recently.

But not too worry, because the temperature will be dropping very quickly. It always does this time of year. Well, in about a month or so. There's a particular weekend in the middle of October that comes around every year. While the traditional end of summer is September 21, summer in Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

ends during this particular weekend. You'll notice it only after it's already happened. Friday will come upon you and it will seem like any other end of the week. Have some fun over the weekend, because when Monday jumps on you, you're going to think you've woken up in some much cooler place, like the Sahara Desert.

Not to fear, you're still in Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

. You've simply come across this mid-October weekend when summer ends and fall begins. The leaves don't really change colors in Phoenix, so some of you transplants won't recognize it, but this marks the beginning of fall. For some beautiful trees and many views of leaves changing colors, head up to the high country. The Snowbowl area is a great place to start.

Even the change from winter to spring is not this sudden. I think the first time I recognized this change in seasons was when I was about 10 years old. And seeing it every year since then, it's no less odd than I remember it the first time.