We’re over half-way through August. If you live, as most of us do, in the Northern hemisphere, you might be thinking, “Where did the summer go?” On the other hand, some of you may be saying, “Only half-way through August? It seems like this summer has lasted forever! Enough already!” At any rate, the long days of summer are slowly becoming shorter, the warm weather will soon be getting cooler, and we will be headed into fall. If you live in the Southern hemisphere, we know you are experiencing your own, opposite change of season.
Do you live year-round in a place with four distinct seasons? Or have you always lived in a climate that is warmer throughout the year? Maybe you used to live in a place that had four, more extreme seasons but chose to move to a warmer climate where you don’t have to worry about snow and ice. Or are you a “snowbird,” living in the north and going south in the winter?
I live in West Michigan where we see four, pretty well-defined seasons: Air temps can reach nearly 100 degrees in the summer and below zero in the winter with biting winds, icy roads, and feet of snow. For us, the start of spring is a lovely and welcome reward after a harsh winter. Summer is a gift of especially long days with the freedom to cook, eat, and relax outside.
In my neighborhood, we can tell its late summer by going outside and sniffing. The Heinz factory, where they make pickles and salsa, is just a few blocks away. If the wind is blowing just right, the aroma is in the air. Some people don’t like it. I do. (It reminds me of a time when my big sister and I would load up our little wagon and sell my grandpa’s tomatoes and cucumbers to neighbors on our block.) These days, in our town, if you’re on the road and find yourself behind a huge truck loaded with pickles, you know where its going! But in only a matter of weeks, the pickle and tomato harvest is over. Then fall brings crisp air and fresh apples and an array of orange, red, and gold trees. After that we find ourselves back to facing another winter. My mom loved the four seasons and she loved to decorate the house accordingly. If you were in the house you could tell right away what season it was without looking out the window. I’ll have to admit…I’m kind of the same way!
What do you think? Do you enjoy the change of seasons, or are you happy to be in a place with more moderate weather? We all know the weather can affect our breathing. Are you bothered by air that is too cold? Too hot and humid? Do you live in a place with a lot of seasonal allergens? What is your favorite time of year? Do you have memories of changing seasons and special mementos? Do tell! I’d love to hear from you!