I wrote this to honor the Winter Solstice…

I love Summer. With the sun-filled days I can
enjoy long training rides on my bike along
the Lakefront and cruising on my motorcycle
unencumbered.

There’s something about lightning, thunderstorms
and the aroma of fresh-cut grass
that is quintessentially Summer.
Suntan lotion, swimming pools and barbecues too.
Summer is tough to beat.

Yes, I love Summer.

But wait! What about Spring?
Tulips blooming and robins returning
signal the arrival of Spring.
The gentle rain showers are cleansing,
everything seems fresh and new.

I feel liberated to be outside so much
and my spirit is reborn.

For all that I feel,
Spring is my most favorite season, hands down.

Yes, I love Spring.

However, I certainly would be remiss
if I didn’t consider Autumn.

The color spectacular as leaves change,
that earthy smell, and harvest time,
pull me closer to mother nature.

Steelhead fishing picks up and
football season kicks into full-swing.
The days cool off, and it’s comfortable
to don a hoodie. And Halloween…
my favorite non-Hallmark holiday.

Aaaaah, I so enjoy Autumn.
Autumn is my favorite season of the year.

Yes, I love Autumn.

And then there’s Winter…
Cold—–Dark—–Winter
Sunlight is scarce on these gray days.
Temperatures hover near freezing and
the windchill makes it less than
desirable to venture outside.

The playgrounds are devoid of activity
and I rarely see my neighbors.
It’s dark when I wake up
and then again
before the work day is complete.

Everything is dormant and lifeless.
The air is stale and I feel like hibernating.

Cold—–Dark—–Winter

That settles it! My preference of season
has never been more clear.

Short, frigid days…gray and listless.
A general malaise surfaces.
At no other time of year do I feel so
lethargic.

YES! It is Winter that helps me to appreciate
the beauty of Spring…
the energy of Summer…
the excitement that stirs in me for Autumn.

Indeed, because of this,
it is truly Winter that I love most.

~~ Nick ~~