In the midst of one of the most glorious fall seasons I have ever witnessed in the Northeast, I'm packing boxes and planning for a winter season in Sarasota. That doesn't mean I'm missing out on the outrageous pleasures of fall. Quite the contrary, whenever I drive anywhere, I try to keep my attention on the beauty around me, savoring it like a fine meal, planting the seeds of memory for the times when I miss living in the Northeast.

It's a hectic time. My home here is for sale, and I'm making changes in a counseling practice of more than 30 years to enable me to travel to Sarasota and also have a practice there of both counseling and teaching. At 61+, life is not finished with me yet!

In a few weeks, I'll pack the car, load up the dog, pick up my sister for our annual road trip, kiss everyone else goodbye, and be on my way. I expect to land in Sarasota on or about November 19th.

The children next door are unhappy with me. At 7, Lucas thinks I made this decision "too fast." Of course, he's not able to understand the complexity of these economic times so all I had to reassure him were the words, "This is not a decision about love, honey. I love you and will always be in your life."

But that won't mean much when I'm pulling out of the driveway. He'll be there, mad-faced and waving, as I start into the other side of this seasonal cycle one more time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Meredith Jordan,