Changing of Seasons

One of the things I loved about growing up in Pennsylvania was experiencing the 4 seasons. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall - each is distinct and beautiful. While the changing of seasons is still noticeable in Taiwan, gone is the flare for the dramatic. Here's what I miss:

Spring
striking colors of tulips, fragrance of hyacinths in the air, sight and sweet smell of lilac bushes full of blossoms, driving in spring rain showers, the smell of the grass and forest after the rain, the way rain makes colors darker and richer, new life - baby rabbits frolicking in the backyard and baby birds chirping in the bushes

Summer
staying outside until 9:00pm and still having traces of daylight, stars (I miss them any time of the year), walking barefoot in the grass, smell of fresh cut lawns and food cooking on the grill, warm sun, driving through the country and seeing how things grow from week to week, fresh veggies from the garden, rolling green fields, mountains covered in green, scenic road trips, sweet corn, campfires, mountain pies and smores, picnics and gatherings with friends and family

Fall
arrival of colder air, windows and lawns decorated by the first frosts, mountains painted in colors of rich reds, yellows, and oranges, apple cider, Fall festivals, soccer matches, Thanksgiving

Winter
the earth blanketed in white, the comfort of fleece, wool, and cashmere, down comforters, warming by a fireplace after skiing, the way fields of snow glisten in the moonlight, white earth against black sky lit with stars, crisp air, meteor showers, Aurora Borealis