The Fifth Season

barn with a pink sunset and glowing moon

I walked out of the house on my way to the barn…and the sky took my breath away! And as if the pink, blue, and orange swirls weren’t stunning enough, God through a glowing moon at the top of His painting for added effect. AND…if you close your eyes and listen intently…the 40 mph winds that are blowing through our grove sound like gentle waves on the ocean shore. Crazy, huh?! My own little piece of paradise. ;-) The only difference is that I have on a few more pieces of clothing. Wool base layers, wool socks, wool hat, wool scarf, parka, snow pants, and arctic level boots. The daily donning of all of this apparel reminds me that we aren’t exactly at the ocean…even if my ears tell me I am!

I do love the four seasons…it was one of the reasons we moved back to the Midwest. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Reliable and awe-inspiring. But did you know there is a FIFTH season in South Dakota? It’s the “you could die if you go outside” season and it happens in January and sometimes February. Where the frigid northern winds cause the windchill to drop into dangerous temps and they tell you not to leave your house if at all possible.

That is…unless you’re leaving your house for the AIRPORT! In 2 weeks…we’re going to trade our prairie ocean for the real ocean. We’re heading south…jumping on a direct flight to Florida to see friends and play in the waves. I’m so looking forward to feeling the hot sun on my skin and wearing my Earth Runners everywhere. Being outside without it hurting my face is going to be awesome.