And the Seasons, They Go Round and Round

From when I first graduated from Miami University, I moved every year for three years (Switzerland, Denver, Switzerland). After all that moving around, I have finally settled somewhere for 2 (going on three) years in a row. There are a few things I've noticed about being in the same place for more than year. The biggest thing I've noticed is that you look forward to the seasonal things that happen in your area. You also can see the seasons change. As we move from summer into fall, many of the restaurants and stalls near the lake shut down. Not long after that all the fountains turn off. Then the cold really sets in and there are all sorts of great things. Time for hot chocolate and snuggles and skiing. Here are just a few things on my list for the next few months.

October - changing leaves, absolutely beautiful! Parents visiting and school half term


November - Marathon time! Not too hot, not too cold, perfect weather for running


December - Christmas market, snowboarding, visiting family


January - hot air balloon in Chateaux D'oex


February - Ski week half term


The list goes on...

Here we are, September 23rd - the second official day of autumn. And even as I enjoy each day here - the running, the bike rides, hiking, camping, drinking, walking, and mostly working - I look forward to the next. I like that the seasons change, and that I know what's coming. I appreciate that there are a million things happening here in Switzerland, and there is always something to do. I look back on all my years in seasonless California, and I see that it is a lot harder to gage time. One day looks pretty much like the next, and the only thing that reminds you of the change is the slightly (very slightly) colder weather and the holidays. Here I change over my wardrobe twice per year. I pack up those summer things away and bring out my warm shirts and coats and socks. I start making soups the minute there is a chill in the air. I even bought butternut squash in anticipation of all the soups/stews I will soon be able to make! The season changes in Ohio were there, but I were so focused on working and studying that I barely noticed. It's such a nice little rhythm, with something good always just ahead.