Beech Tree News Network

Watching our winter weather has led me to think about seasonal changes. We – much like plants and animals – are affected by the seasons. Many of us may prefer one type of weather more than another.

I asked friends and family (ages 4 to 82) which season they like best and why. Their explanations of why they favor a particular season are listed below:
Spring
•    Because everything comes back to life.
•    Because of turkey hunting and the days start to get longer and warmer.
•    It’s a new beginning and a fresh start.
•    I love all the trees, flowers, and new growth that appear everywhere at that time of year. And, I like the sunshine after winter and the depressive weather. Spring makes me happy, excited, and motivated to do more.
•    Everything is coming alive. It’s like a rebirth and of course, it’s turkey season. Wuhu!
•    Everything seems new and fresh. It’s a fresh start for all vegetation (green everywhere); farmers tilling and planting; clean fresh smells and appearance; not too cold or too hot; and the frogs and crickets sing in the evenings.
•    Everything starts to grow, turns green, and comes to life. It gets warmer, and I like warm weather better than winter weather.
•    Because it’s my birthday!
•    Things sprout from fall and winter seed; song is in the air and birds nest; but most of all, Mike is at his best!
Summer
•    I love going to the pool, and I feel better in the summer! I’m happier in the summer, probably because of the sun and the extra vitamin D. The winter weather is gloomy, and it rains too much in the spring.
•    Because I get to play in the pool, play on my swing set, play outside with Mom and Dad, go on vacation, catch lightning bugs, and ride my 4-wheeler.
•    I like the warm weather and sunshine.
•    Warm weather, grilling, daylight until 9 PM, water activities, yard work, relaxed days, 4th of July – I could go on and on.
•    I like the warm weather and the sun.
Fall
•    Because of the beautiful scenery.
•    Hunting season – ‘nough said.
•    I love the beautiful leaves; cool, crisp air; pumpkins; a trip to Jackson’s Orchard; hot chocolate; jeans and hoodies; and it’s not too hot or too cold.
•    I like the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, hoodies, bonfires and roasting hotdogs.
•    It’s the perfect temperature most of the time – not too hot or too cold, and I like the leaves and colors.
•    I love blankets and bonfires; the beautiful colors on the trees; the cooler weather; the college year starts; the fun pumpkins; and the holidays.
•    Because of the smell of crisp leaves and cold air; bonfires; sweat shirts; football; and the beautiful colors. Everything’s dying so it can be born again.
•    Good weather to ride, the colors, the temperatures, and the cold nights.
•    I like fall because of the temperatures and beautiful colors in the landscape.
•    The colors; not too hot or cold; and good riding.
•    It’s a little touch of summer and a little touch of winter. It’s God’s canvas on which he paints majesties in bold colors of gold and red.
•    I love the cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and knowing that the holidays are coming! I also love the cool nights and pretty warm days.
•    When I was in school, I had to make a leaf book, and I got hooked on the pretty leaves. I like the rustle and color of the leaves. It’s the end of the summer, and I like to see the seasons change. I like the transition. Fall is not too hot; it’s pleasant – almost perfect. It completes a cycle, and we start moving inside, preparing for winter and being close to home. Life ends in beauty.
•    Yellow sunlight is rich and full. Harvest season brings bountiful good. Colored leaves mark passing change. From hot to cool days slip away. Then brisk and quick comes winter’s reign…. Yes, it is fall.
Winter
•    Duck season because I like to kill ducks.
•    I like cold weather.

These responses show that the most popular season with this group of people is fall. It also shows that most of these people (over 75%) preferred the temperate seasons: spring and fall. Interestingly, husbands and wives often chose opposite seasons. My personal favorite is summer. I’ve always liked the sunlight and the warmth of the season (Self-diagnosis:  I may have seasonal affective disorder or sunlight deficiency in winter months.). But, each season has something I like: plants coming to life in the spring, long summer days, vibrant colors in the fall, and the beauty of falling snow in the winter.

Finally, Henry David Thoreau advised to “Live in each season as it passes….” One young woman said that she likes all of the seasons (spring because of the longer and warmer days; summer because she can get a tan and swim; fall because of the colors and cooling weather; and winter because she likes to wear warm clothes, drink hot drinks and burn candles). And, I’m guessing – unlike many of us – she doesn’t dread seasonal change.