Tag Archives: seasons

Finally, SNOW!!

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After weeks of lamenting the absence of any true winter weather, we finally received a nice snowfall Thursday night. I measured about four inches yesterday morning when I went out to feed the birds. Additional snow filled the air off and on for the remainder of the day and I was grateful for each and every small flake.

I was also grateful to be working from home yesterday so I could just sit back and enjoy the coziness of home. 

Since it was a workday, I didn’t make it outside much but Scout did station himself in the window sill to keep tabs on everything outside. There were swirling snowflakes to study, birdies to track and a stray cat to keep an eye on. He would occasionally tire from his responsibilities and come sit with me for a while. His naps were short though as he periodically returned to the window to stand sentinel over this brave new world covered in white.

I spent my lunch break and then the evening hours doing some light chores and savoring that sensation of being snowed in.

My Facebook feed was clogged with indignation from friends who hate snow and winter and anything that isn’t representative of summer. There was also odd bragging from friends in southern states because they’re eating outside this week. I have never understood these people. I more or less want to smack them all upside the head because they’re missing the point of having a winter season.

It’s good for us.

Nature puts itself to bed for a few months of rest every year. Why shouldn’t humans do this as well? 

We weren’t made to keep up a breakneck pace all the time. I don’t know about you but I’m excited to have this excuse to slow down and to enjoy the life I have rather than one that’s mainly social media ready and exhausting.

I am grateful to be where I am and to have a chance to snuggle down in the covers for a long winter nap!

Winter Solstice

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The Winter Solstice is upon us and I say it didn’t arrive a moment too soon. No matter where I go in this world, I’m always in the minority when I say that winter is a special season and one to be savored. 

In my small corner of the world, winter is a quieter time when it comes to activities and events. My southern Ohio community has few events indoors or out. The only places to really congregate are high school basketball games, churches and restaurants. There’s some shopping to be done in neighboring towns but that’s about it. 

And you know something? I’m ok with that. 

Winter in Brandiland is marked by a desire to stay in and be cozy. I live for snowdays, especially when I get to be home and stare out the window. There is nothing better than bundling up to traipse around in the fresh fallen snow while looking for animal prints and things to photograph. Well, nothing better except going inside to warm up over a cup of hot chocolate! 

This year, I’m engaging in a fifty mile winter hike challenge with my fella and his dad who happens to be my very good friend. They’re both outdoorspeople and avid hikers so I will have great company along the trail. They understand what I mean when I just want to breathe in the cold air while touching the bark of a tree. 

The other thing about winter is that it’s the perfect time to stay in and work on hobbies, to catch up on your reading and to clean out that closet that’s been languishing all through the warm months. I call it feathering my nest and it’s the best thing ever. 

So, no. Winter isn’t great for flip flops or yard work but it’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy the coziness of life at home. 

Today is the shortest day of the year. After this, we will see a little more daylight every day as many of you begin to count the days till spring. Wherever you are on this solstice, stay warm, be happy and enjoy this beautiful day!

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend

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In the words of Simon and Garfunkel “Hello darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again.”

Here in America this weekend, we will “fall backward” as we change the time again. This weekend marks a period when we suddenly notice the days getting shorter and the nights lasting much longer.

There’s a meme that keeps popping up in my social media feeds. It says something like “Summer is over. It’s dark, rainy and cold. I hope you’re happy you pumpkin spice loving freaks.”

I’m the queen of scrolling past messages that don’t interest me but this always strikes a chord.

Before I start, I want to acknowledge those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you have been diagnosed, my condolences. Life is about to get hard again.

However, I’m kind of excited about this time change and hope there are others like me somewhere in Ohio. See, Ohio summer seems to be a little longer every single year. It’s hot and too humid to actually enjoy outdoor time so life has to be planned to avoid the worst parts of the day or be limited to the air conditioning. This stretch from May through early September is not remotely fun.

Yet, there are lots of opportunities to run around and have fun. Vacations, day trips, county fairs, festivals, flea markets and other activities happen all the time.

I work hard to make sure I can still enjoy life in the summer despite the fact the sun will burn my poor, pale skin to a crisp if I spend too much time outdoors.

The time change in November brings all the fun of summer and festivities of fall to a grinding halt. Darkness arrives early and the sun rises late. It’s cold and the weather turns volatile.

You know what else happens?

Life slows down and interests turn inward. It suddenly is the perfect time for movie marathons and long books. Bubble baths, new hobbies, restful nights and small indoor projects become more prominent.

What’s not to love about soup simmering on the stove and a piping hot beverage enjoyed from beneath a blanket?

I read more, catch up on podcasts, and sleep more soundly, I tidy kitchen cabinets and experiment with my food.

Time spent outdoors gives us fresh, crisp air to cleanse our lungs and energize our souls. Plus, the best part of going outside is coming back in to get warm.

Life becomes cozy. Life becomes easier. It becomes happier if you allow it..

One key to happiness is finding ways to enjoy your day, no matter the circumstances. As we approach the time change this weekend, I encourage you to seek out ways to be happy – even if you don’t like the weather.

Plan a family game night or a trip to the library for some fresh reading materials. Buy yourself some grocery store flowers and bake cookies.

Everyone certainly doesn’t need to like the same things but I hate to think of anyone being so miserable for entire months of the year. Life is too short to throw away an entire season of potential happiness.

Sometimes in life, the very best things are those you didn’t ask for and think you don’t want. Why not give this winter thing a chance? Even if you don’t love it, just looking for ways to make it more tolerable will indeed make it a happier time.

A World With Octobers

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If you asked me to rank the seasons starting with my favorite, it would be Fall, Winter and then Spring. Summer is so unpleasant it doesn’t merit a mention.

Ask me about my favorite month of the year and October is a clear winner. There’s nothing like October with its moderate daytime temperatures and cool evenings. The sky is typically a pleasant blue and the light turns golden, creating spectacular photo opportunities at nearly any time of day.

Late bloomers in my flower beds hang on until the first hard frost and the landscape is dotted with colorful mums, marigolds and asters. Grown adults get excited about pumpkins and some of us still roll up our sleeves to carve a Jack-o’-lantern.

Cute hats, scarves, boots and sweaters begin to replace shorts and t-shirts and not a moment too soon. Summer clothes are rarely a good look for me. Not to mention the joy of having soup simmering and hot chocolate at the ready.

And the events! Let’s not forget all the fun events that come with this month. In fact, it feels like there are too many activities to pack into just 31 days. Ghost walks, fall festivals, open houses and so much more offer opportunities to explore.

Truth be told, I almost welcome the fall rains that set in come November. As much joy as October brings, I teeter on the edge of ready for a break from all the running by the time the weather turns sour.

Almost but not quite. After all, who would wish away all this happiness?

I plan to hike more than normal this fall and to study the foliage maps to make sure I’m maximizing exposure to all the pretty leaves in my weekend wanderings. I’m going to make popcorn for special couch time screenings of It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and a few other seasonal classics. Maybe I’ll even buy some Halloween candy.

There is much happiness to be discovered in October and I solemnly swear to do my best to enjoy life to its fullest this month. After all, life is short and a gal only gets so many chances to savor her favorite month.

To quote Victorian era author L.M. Montgomery “I’m so glad I live in a world with Octobers.”

Seasons

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Ohioans are fortunate because we have four distinct seasons. Of these, spring is gentle and delicate. Winter is a harsh time of hibernation. Summer’s humidity and heat are brutally oppressive. I hibernate a lot then too.

But fall, oh fall! It’s deliciously beautiful. It’s cinnamon rolls, wood smoke, denim jackets and fresh apples. It’s pumpkin carving, long hikes and picnics under the maple trees.

Fresh air, blue skies and vibrant leaves in unexpected colors are hallmarks of this amazing season.

It’s the best season. It’s also ridiculously short.

Since it will soon be dark at 4:30 p.m. and the cold will soon move in, I have decided to make hay while the sun shines. I have been out for hikes and quick walks as much as possible this month and am grateful for each and every day this was possible.

Soon, I’ll have to work a little harder to be outdoors and keep thinking I need to buy better hiking clothes to make winter adventures more comfortable.

Fall is fleeting but so is life. As in nature, we all experience seasons in life. They aren’t always happy or beautiful times. It often feels like the happy moments pass in the blink of an eye while challenging periods seem to drag on forever.

Enjoy those beautiful, happy days to their fullest. Take the hike, pick the apples, breathe that crisp autumn air. And when the skies turn dark as winter settles in, look for ways to enjoy those days too.

These pictures are from my hike at Buzzard’s Roost after work last night. It was a quick 2.25 miles for exercise rather than for the near spiritual outdoor experience I described earlier this week.

Yet, I found myself occasionally coming around a bend to stop dead in my tracks. It was just that beautiful.

Someday, I’m going to pack a picnic and a book and linger on this bench. doesn’t that sound like a great way to enjoy a season?

Today is supposed to be gorgeous here in southern Ohio and I intend to enjoy every minute. Wherever you are, please go do the same.

No Winter Lasts Forever

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No winter lasts forever, no spring skips its turn. Hal Borland

This was the view from my window early yesterday morning. While I will be happy for spring wildflowers, hikes and sunny adventure days, I’m equally happy to hold onto winter a bit longer.

We received about six inches of snow Friday night. Saturday was cold and windy and best spent indoors. It was nice cozying up in bed with my book and cat to luxuriate in the knowledge that our muddy brown landscape is again blanketed in something truly beautiful.

I did venture out for a bit to get my hair done but was quite happy to return home to make a good dinner and spend the evening on the couch watching a movie with Scout.

Of course, I do live in Ohio and this is actually the time of year we can experience all four seasons in a span of days. It will be in the fifties on Monday and in the seventies again by Thursday. It’s hard to tell what the following week will bring.

There’s something to be said for simply enjoying whatever this day brings and to remember that no season lasts forever. Every day is a gift and should be treated as such – even if you do think the weather is crazy!