Seasons

I love the change of seasons.

I didn’t realize just how much I would welcome this change four times a year until I moved to North Carolina. Prior to June 2007, I knew only of two seasons – Winter, and a poor attempt of two months passing themselves off as summer (I’m looking at you July and August, you did not fool me with your cloudy skies and highs only in the med-80’s!).

But since moving I have discovered that there really are four seasons, it isn’t a myth! I think what I like most is that the change always offers a clean start. New seasons bring new activities, new opportunities.

I don’t think I’d like to live someplace where it was always warm. I joke that my next move is down to Florida, but really, I do enjoy the cooler months. I can’t imagine never being able to see my breath in the cold or wanting to curl up with hot chocolate and a sweatshirt.

Given the two extremes, New York and Florida, I am quite content in North Carolina.

Now that I am on my third time around experiencing each season in NC, the differences between each of them and the seasons in NY are pretty clear.

Let’s talk about fall, my favorite time of year, or so it has become. Growing up, the first snowfall would usually come sometime in October when winter would burst in unwelcomed, usually around Halloween - snowsuits under costumes were the norm.  I have now come to know fall as a revitalizing time of year. The air is crisp, the temperature starts to drop, but is still warm enough to be outside enjoying it.  Out come the scarves and fleece jackets, and I must say, I am a big fan of fleece jackets.  I have yet to make it to the western part of the state to see the mountains during this time, but I’ll get out there eventually. I am also a sucker for anything pumpkin. And a State fair in October? This concept was ridiculous to me at first, seeing as though in NY the threat of cold weather would most likely dampen an October fair, but it now makes perfect sense.  I like fall.

Winter, or least the winters I have grown up with,  and I have a love-hate relationship, mainly because New York winters are just too darn long, its like a houseguest who has overstayed their welcome and all of the subtle hints you drop just seems to have no effect, it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. I do however love, love, LOVE the first snowfall, there is something magical about it.  My well developed skills in dressing in layers are put to the test, but I succeed. New Yorkers are troopers – it snows 4 feet and life goes on. Last year in NC we had a nice snowfall, 5 or so inches - the town shut down. I curled up on the couch with all of the critters (Luther, Miles & Lucy) and it was the perfect setting for a marathon of The Office. Later on I instigated a snowball fight. However, come March winter knew when it was time to pass the torch onto spring.

In grade school, come March/April we’d talk about spring and the birds chirping and flowers starting to bloom. I’d look outside and see a foot of snow on the ground – not quite how it looked in our picture books.  The year I moved down here, I was amazing with how much heat lightning there was. I’d sit on the balcony of my apartment and watch it for hours. There simply isn’t anything more relaxing than a spring thunderstorm at night. The first day of wearing shorts is also very exciting.

My Carolina summers thus far have been filled with sun and waves. The beach scene in New York isn’t exactly hoppin’ so now I really enjoy day, weekend and even week-long trips to the coast. The afternoon naps in the hammock at the Outer Banks house were simply lovely. My first summer in NC there was 5 consecutive days of temperatures over 100, however, I can handle the heat, bring it!

What do you enjoy the most about each season?