January
is perfect snowflakes
frost on windows
red noses
& days off school
snowmen and hot chocolate
warm register and gloves
dark skies and even darker days
winter coats
wreaths left over from Christmas
and dreams of warmer times

February
is mud and melting snow
grey skies and brown branches
birdseed and scarves
hearts and cupids
scissors, valentines & chocolate

March
is windy days
and more grey skies
chilly fingers
& long shadows
green things showing
and birds heralding the end of the cold

April
is new life & the smell of things growing
blooming flowers
clear skies
Easter eggs
bunnies
new hope & windows left open
palm fronds
& remembrance of death's defeat

May
is short sleeves and weeds
daisy chains and lakes
ice cream and hopes of summer
cats
& dogs
& blossoms floating through the air

June
is sunny days
and long hours
final exams
and summer goodbyes
sleeping in
and green everywhere
creeks
and long bike rides
mosquitoes
and fireflies

July
is family gatherings and fireworks
hot dogs and soda
checkered picnic blankets and ants
state fairs
flags
and people in search of shade

August
is sprinklers & hammocks
popsicles & lemonade
beaches & mountains & escapes to places not quite so hot
sweat & exhaustion & people ready for school to start

September
is fresh fruit and vegetables
sunflowers and footballs
chilly breezes and the return of jackets
school buses and new clothes
supply lists and old friends
new beginnings and old memories

October
is yellow, red & orange
falling leaves
& geese going south
pumpkins
& squashes
costumes
& rakes
tricks
& treats
& candy

November
is empty trees and maple syrup
warm pajamas and cold nights
thankfulness and family
turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie

December
is snowflakes and good cheer
excitement and nervousness
breaks from school and crazed shoppers
pine trees and lights
Santa Clause and elves
presents and carols
nativity scenes and sweet suspense
the celebration of a birth and a far away star
firecrackers
a dropping ball
and another year