Time for Friday Five:

1. What is your favorite time of year?  

When I am up in the mountains of Big Bear, my favorite time of year is summer; in the flatlands of  the Los Angeles basin; spring. 

2. What is it about your favorite season that, well, makes it your favorite season?  

Mountains: summer. High altitude, low humidity and above the smog line (so the air is fresh and clean), Big Bear has perfect summer conditions.  Rarely hot, never unbearable. The mountain temperatures are about ten degrees cooler than the sweltering flatlands'.  Cloudless blue skies. Lush greenery. Butterflies and ladybugs. The flowers!

Flatlands: spring.  Today, it is in the 70s.  Spring -- with daffodils, tulips, and flowering pear trees -- is literally busting out all over, bringing much cheer and uplift.  People are out and about in shorts and T-shirts -- and smiling.

3. What is your least favorite time of year? Why? 

Mountains:  I love  EVERY season.  Big Bear has four distinct seasons.  All, mild. No extremes. 300+ days of sunshine a year. Its snowy winters are gorgeous and never too long or too cold, springs are refreshing, and autumns are soft and mellow.

Flatlands: January and early February. Except for this year, this is our rainy season. I grew up in one of the rainiest spots on Earth, Hilo, Hawai`i. I had enough.  I much prefer sunny days.  Also, August and September, as summer in the LA flatlands can get unbearably hot, occasionally muggy and often smoggy.  

4. Do you do anything to celebrate or recognize the changing of seasons?

I consciously and mindfully celebrate the changing seasons.  Growing up in Hawai`i, the season changes were subtle.  Even after 10+ years of experiencing Big Bear living on weekends, the novelty of distinct seasons has not worn off.  I look forward to each season with anticipation.

For years, I personally decorated our office in the flatlands according to the seasons.  These days, one of my co-workers, Don, is doing a fabulous job.  He is even more jubilant and free-flowing in his decorating, and our office has never looked better!  Folks love to visit and see what the office looks like; the seasonal decor provides a way for them to observe the changing seasons.  

5. What's your favorite thing to do outside?  

Walking/hiking with DH and our dogs, O and Freddy B. Gathering around an outdoor fire. Star-gazing.  Lying on a hammock under the pines, watching the clouds drift by. Biking. Skiing. Surfing. Gardening. Sitting under a shady tree.  Lying on the cool, green grass.  Reading on the front porch swing. 

This year, I think I'll go crazy taking pictures with The Camera.

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