For almost two weeks I was super excited.

The mornings were cool, the afternoons weren’t bad at all and the evenings were perfect. As soon as the first fallish temperatures arrived in Vicksburg, my air conditioner in my apartment was turned off, the windows were opened and I was in heaven (as was the cat who very much enjoyed sitting in the window in the spare bedroom and even knocked over a lamp for more room to lay down.)

I have spent my entire life living between Florida, Georgia and Louisiana and now Mississippi (I think Vicksburg is my northernmost location) where we really only get two seasons — summer and that time where it is slightly cooler occasionally. Despite 25 years living in the south, I still hate the heat with a die-hard passion. I become a slight recluse during the summer as I try to avoid going outside and melting like the witch from the Wizard of Oz.

That is why I was so excited when the heat broke for a few days.

I took advantage of the perfect temperatures outside (mid-70’s with a light breeze) to go for walks in the National Military Park, which is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. I sat on my porch and read my book and even considered going for a run (that counts right?)

Then as soon as the cool temperatures came, they were gone. We’re not back to summer temperatures, but my air is back on and it is pushing into the 90s most afternoons.

The season of cool temperatures is hopefully upon us though. Today marks the official start of fall and the grocery stores are full of Halloween candy and fall decorations. Pumpkins are starting to roll in and fall events such as the Courthouse flea market, Fall Fest and the farmer’s market are right around the corner in Vicksburg.

I have a litany of light sweaters I am ready to pull back out and may have to convince myself to iron the long sleeve button-up shirts I have in my closet.

Fall is the best time of the year. The weather is perfect and although we don’t quite get the fall activities such as corn mazes, apple picking and changing leaves like our northern brethren, we do still get a reprieve from the heat that has cooked us since April.

The 10-day forecast shows that by the end of next week the highs will be in the 70s for a couple days. So get ready Tui, the windows will be open again and maybe this time I’ll do more than just think about running.

Brandon O’Connor is a staff writer with The Vicksburg Post. You may reach him at brandon.oconnor@vicksburgpost.com.