I appreciate the four distinct seasons of the year.
Living in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, there is always a change in the weather just up ahead.
We experience all four seasons, and each one brings something to enjoy. The winters are long, with temperatures often below freezing. Readings in the negatives aren’t all that unusual. The snow piles up in feet and the windchill can be brutal. However, the snow is beautiful. It puts me in the mood for the Christmas holidays. The Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton, PA, is about 40 minutes from my house in Bethlehem. Blue Mountain offers a variety of trails for skiing and snowboarding. They accommodate all levels of skills and include terrain parks and snow tubing facilities. I also like to cross-country ski, snowshoe and ice skate. Last year, I invested in a snowmobile and had a great time with it. I always look forward to the weather warming up and the first signs of spring. It takes a while for the daffodils, tulips and hyacinths to sprout. Eventually, the lilacs bud and the birds start singing. Although there is plenty of rain, it’s a really wonderful time of year. It is such a relief to finally shut off the furnace, open the windows and let in some fresh air. There is always a lot of indoor cleaning and yard work to take care of. I need to make sure the lawnmower is serviced, buy propane for the barbecue grill and haul out the patio furniture. The spring season always seems brief. Summer quickly brings temperatures in the mid to high eighties and excessive humidity. I don’t mind the heat. I love spending time outdoors, whether I’m working in my garden, riding my bicycle or swimming. Fall is probably my favorite season. The colors of the leaves in Bethlehem are stunning. We get a bit of rain but the weather is just about perfect. It’s warm enough to be outdoors but cool enough to sleep at night. Plus, I get excited for the fresh fruits and vegetables. I go apple picking, and I go grow peppers, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkins and grapes.