The Changing Seasons

published September 9, 2010

in the Stockton Sentinel, 

Stockton, Kansas

Even more than the four seasons of summer, fall, winter and spring, I love the transition days in between. Just when we think we can’t handle another triple-digit summer day, in comes a cold front that changes and refreshes everything, including our attitudes. Even though it’s not yet officially fall, mornings and evenings certainly give a pleasant hint that autumn is on its way. We know there may still be a few hot days to endure, but we also know those days are numbered.

And after a long dreary winter, when it seems like we’ve had ice on the ground since October 24, and we never get to see daylight because we go to work in the dark and go home in the dark, the new greening of grass, budding trees, and blooming daffodils are a most welcome sight.

Since my husband has coached a variety of sports most of our married life, and because we had two sons who played a variety of sports, I remember the days when our house looked (and probably smelled) like a locker room. It was during those years that time marched in accord with three seasons: football, basketball, baseball. (Some of you reading this have more than three seasons, especially if you have a girl or two.)

Football season, unlike fall, is officially here, and just the sound of a football game on TV makes me feel cooler, even if the day is still warm. And then comes basketball, and nothing makes winter tolerable more than basketball. In the same way, there can still be snow on the ground or a nip in the air, but the sound of a televised baseball game (usually being played in Florida!) is like a warm, spring breeze.

Don’t get me wrong: I love summer, as long as temperatures stay below 90 degrees, and I love winter, as long as temperatures stay above 35 degrees. I also really love spring and fall, although those are the worst times for my allergies!

I guess what I’m saying is, my most favorite seasons of the year are still football, basketball and baseball!