Change

There's something about the start of a new season that I always like. It doesn't really matter what the new season is, it's just fun to know that there's new things coming.

Right now, the changes of fall are coming. You can hear and smell the rustle of dry leaves (in the trees and on the ground) and see the beautiful fall colors of the trees. It's still nice and warm during the day, but then in the evening there's a crispness in the air that's perfect for bonfires and hot apple cider. I haven't thought of this in awhile, but it also reminds me of being a kid and running around in the freshly tilled dirt after the potato harvester went through the garden. Speaking of harvesting, soy beans and field corn gets harvested around this time too. There's nothing like sitting in the combine and listening to some AM radio or some "real country" on an FM station. And let us not forget the foods: crisp apples, squash, and....other stuff I can't remember right now.

On the first day of winter (weather-wise, not the technical day), I love how the ugliness of late fall gets covered by that first fresh covering of pure snow. And, the snow makes the world so silent. Not only that, you can pull out your snowboard or skis and dream about the fresh powder coming in the next few months. It's also the perfect time to slow down a little, play a little music, organize your digital pictures, and cuddle up by the fire while reading a good book. You also might look forward to the next couple months when it gets really cold and you can go and ice skate on the pond in your backyard or else see a college or amateur hockey game. Favorite foods of the season: hot chocolate, tea, soups, grapefruit, and lefse.

Then comes spring, where you can finally take off your winter clothes and go outside without a coat. The air has that "fresh" smell that soap and deodorant makers try to imitate, the world once again turns green, and the tulips bloom. You can quit going to the YMCA so much and start doing exercise stuff outside again. I think I expounded on the virtues of spring in a previous post, so I won't belabor this season. Foods to look forward to when spring comes: strawberries, asparagus, and strawberries. OK, I kinda drew a blank there. Maybe you can help me out.

Finally, summer arrives. It feels good to go outside after freezing in the air conditioner at work and feel nice and HOT. There's always the beach, waterskiing or wakeboarding, bicycle riding, tennis, canoing, etc., etc., etc. Some other bonuses of summer are outdoor concerts, eating outside, lots of daylight hours, and easy driving. A few of the many best foods: fresh blueberries, peaches, raspberries, cucumbers, anything made on the grill, corn on the cob, and peas and potatoes picked that day from the garden.

OK, that wasn't comparable to Henry David Thoreau or anything, but I'm hoping you don't usually look here for that kind of stuff anyway. I suppose I could get used to Florida or Hawaii where the seasons never change, but I'm afraid I might get bored. That's it for now folks, now go take on the day and the new season!