Day 1017

The Goldens absolutely love being outside! Although it is too soon to get our hopes up for an early spring, we all grab these precious moments on the front porch and dream of what’s to come! Spring is my favorite season!

When I was little, the endless days of summer loomed like a dream! Swimming pool days, Dairy Queen nights and afternoons full of playing, creating and exploring with the neighborhood gang. It was a magical time and I can still pull up memories of the smells, feelings and sounds of summer. Children love summer the most!

Autumn was once my favorite season and I still delight in the crisp air, football games, pumpkin patches and the reconnection with favorite mittens. At least one trip to the apple orchard is essential. Bonfires add an aroma to the evenings and s’mores are king! If it weren’t for the knowledge of the cold Minnesota winter knocking on the door, it might just tie for first place!

The winter season brings some of my favorite things! Each year, I can hardly wait for the holidays, cozy fireplace nights and “nesting” when it’s too cold to be outside. Blankets emerge on every chair and couch as we snuggle in to enjoy those things that simply wait for us to slow down. Books, knitting, baking and other calming, life-enriching choices are made. Games come out of the cupboard and the Hallmark Channel reigns supreme. If winter could simply end a month or two sooner, it would be more beloved!

This brings me to spring. Not only do I crave the fresh air, sunshine and warmth, but the magic of new life surrounds me during that glorious season! Leaves on the trees, bird songs that return to our ears, plants pushing up through the earth and THUNDERSTORMS! I do love a good thunderstorm… unlike my Halo of Goldens!

So we sit on the empty porch, soaking in the sun’s warmth and dream about the spring to come. I can almost see the hope in the Goldens’ eyes… I know it is shining in mine!