Comes the end of Summer - Hurricane Season is still in effect, but the temperature and humidity are noticeably dropping, and the Snowbirds haven't begun their annual migration south yet. Roads, stores and restaurants are still relatively uncrowded, and you can spend more time relaxing comfortably outside without feeling like you're in the sauna. Early mornings are especially sweet - a great time to be fishing, sailing, biking, hiking or just sitting by the water with a Screwdriver or Bloody Mary.

It's also the best time to hit some of those yard and garden chores you put off though the heat of Summer. It's like we come out of hibernation.

It makes me wonder how Floridians lived before A/C. (The creation of the modern electrical air conditioning unit and industry is credited to the American inventor Willis H. Carrier.) One thing I've noticed is a difference in building design. Those built before A/C became commonplace had wide shady porches and lots of windows for flow through. Modern buildings are not so accommodating. I recall not having electricity after storms Francis and Jeane in 2004. Building interiors were oppressively hot, humid and stagnant.

But today I'm sitting here typing away with the A/C off and a nice breeze coming through the open windows. Bruce Danforth has found a warm, sunny spot on the back porch.

I'm going to have myself a salad here in a few, and then I think I'll join him. Find me a sunny spot, and dream about constructive and productive things I could be doing instead.