Indian summer should be enjoyed outside

This is one of those Indian summer days where I wish I had an outside job inspecting trails or something similar. I want to be anywhere except behind a desk listening to people complain.
Don't get me wrong. On cold, rainy days I am more than happy to sit behind a desk watching the rain. But on beautiful days it isn't all that easy.
The almanac says that true Indian summer occurs between November 1 and 20. Also, days should be hazy with no wind and nights should be clear and chilly. The warm days must follow a spell of cold weather or a hard frost.
I say the almanac is wrong. This feels like Indian Summer to me.
We have had enough of a cold spell to cause all my houseplants to rush their annual migration back into the house. The big jade plant isn't that happy about it and reaches out to grope, uh ... I mean grab us any chance it gets.
After a week or so of cold, rainy weather we have been blessed with warmth and sunshine again. I don't know how long this will last but I want to enjoy every minute of it.
Last week I celebrated Indian Summer by helping carve a totem pole for one of the guys in the local carving club.
Contrary to popular belief, totem poles are not religious symbols. They are artistic expressions or were created to tell a story.  
I had a blast learning to use an entirely new set of tools even if some of the guys did make fun of the way I was holding the mallet.
I came away from the evening with a case of garage envy as did most of the other carvers. It will take much more knife work before the pole is finished enough to paint. If you want to join us I'm sure they would be happy to mock your mallet skills as well as teaching you the proper way to carve.
I let the leader of the group know that an internet search turned up several traditions regarding totem poles. For instance, the recipient of the pole is supposed to perform a dance around it once it is erected. He is also supposed to throw a party and give gifts to everybody. We tried to convince him that he should honor the second tradition but I don't think he will. Phooey.
This warm interlude brings out the playfulness in many of us. Once the leaves start falling in earnest, who can resist scuffling their feet through a crinkly pile?
Who doesn't want to be outside playing when the weather is wonderful? Now is when we need daylight savings time. We could adjust the clocks so that we all get off work in the middle of the day so that we can enjoy the best of what fall has to bring.
Until that happens, I will stay at work and try my best to put a smile on the face of cranky people while wishing I was outside enjoying Indian summer.[[In-content Ad]]