September

It's September all ready. Time really does fly when you get old and have less of it.

I usually like September. It's not too hot, not too cold. Traces of summer remain, unmarred by hints of the winter that is lurking under the calendar pages.

Last year, mind you, we had more 90 degree days in September than we did in the entire preceeding summer months. That's Indiana for you. We take pride in being contrary.

I heard the Indiana tourism community is looking for a new state motto. We've had several in the past: The Crossroads of America, Wander Indiana, The Hoosier State, Restart Your Engines, Enjoy Indiana. I think Indiana: We Take Pride in Being Contrary says a lot about the people, the weather, the culture in my home state.

Not in a dis-agree-able way, but in an interesting way. For example, we could discuss the contrary topology of Indiana. I'd say we have a great lake to the north and mountain foothills in the south, but somebody would counter with "the most you can call those are toehills". And just to be contrary, a third party would pipe up "they're just hills. Why do you always have to make a mountain out of a molehill?"

And a lively debate would follow. Probably for years.