The Seasons

It was my sister's 60th birthday, and her daughter's 30th, so all the family went out for a meal. Company, conversation, good food and drink made for a very pleasant evening. When we finally left to goodbyes and happy birthdays it was fairly late. On rising in the morning, the sun was shining and a breeze had set up. The washing machine man rang to say he would be arriving about 2 pm to repair the worn part, and as I was not born with a duster or hoover in my hand, the brightness of the day was calling me. I needed to clear my head, (my excuse). I walked my favourite walk, Hayling Billy on to Langstone to Emsworth and back over the churchyard at Emsworth and home. As I started out I met so many people of all ages either walking their dogs or just out walking. Everyone had a smile on their faces, was it because of the sunshine or the cool breeze that lifted our spirits. I began to ponder on the way our Seasons so naturally roll around and do any of us really give thanks?

Spring, when Mother Nature starts to awaken. Snowdrops, crocuses, golden headed daffodils. Trees starting to bud, pussy willow, catkin to follow with that glorious carpet of blue. The bluebells. Woods so full of their bright colour.

On to Summer, with flowers and trees in a riot of colour, warm balmy days and long evenings to enjoy with friends. Of children on beaches jumping in the waves and making sand castles. To sit on a hillside and enjoy nature at its glorious best.

On to Autumn, with leaves changing colour, of reds and golden, to walking on fallen leaves crunchy under foot. Chestnuts on the carpet of leaves with the sun making the trees into brilliant colours, walking along beaches with the wind and sun making us keep a good pace but still colour in our cheeks.

Onset to Winter, farmers ploughing their fields, turning the soil dark, flocks of birds following the plough picking up the insects to fatten up for the harshness of winter to follow.

On to Winter, of crisp mornings, frosty patches and most of Mother Nature asleep. Squirrels finding the acorns that they stored away. Wind whipping at our coats and people with no smiles on their faces. To smell baking of cakes and smoky fires.

I don't really know what is my favourite season, but I do think that we should give thanks ourselves for what we so readily take for granted.

People in countries with constant heat crying out for water and food. Others in snow covered countries, no balmy sunny days for them. So I am asking, think of what we take for granted so easily, and just give thanks for it.