It's Summertime

In Minnesota we have four distinct seasons. Some last longer than others, but they are indeed distinct. I favor fall and winter because I tend to be a little morose and drawn to the darkness and doramancy of it all. It's stark and cold outside, which makes it all the more cozy and warm indoors where there's a fire in the fireplace, candles in the nooks and crannies of the house, and a batch of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. Divine.

Now that spring has officially arrived I have to admit it feels good to walk outdoors without clunking around in snow boots and maneuvering a body that looks like that of the Michelin Man for the heavy coat covering four layers of clothing. Springtime is freeing and smells pretty good too.

Here are some of my favorite things about spring and summer, not in any particular order:

1. Hanging clothes outdoors on the clothesline. I especially love the crispness of sheets hung out to dry in the sun. They seem much cooler during the summer months than tumble dried.

2. Colorful birds flitting around in my backyard. We have yellow and red finches, chickadees, cardinals, blue jays, robins, red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, and hummingbirds.

3. My rumpus room, as the sun starts to creep lower in the west. Leaves of the backyard trees flutter in the summer breeze, making dancing shadows against the window blinds and throughout the entire room.

4. Fresh air coming into the house from open windows and doors. Much better than recycled, conditioned air.

5. Green.

6. The smell of freshly mown grass.

7. Dairy Queen Blizzards.

8. Warm feet without the aid of wool socks.

Here's to summertime fun!