Seasons of Change

Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, in the town of Belzoni, it was easy to know what season you were in.  Springtime was Little League baseball.  Summer was school was out, and there were the Boy Scout trips to Camp Tallaha with Mr. Howell and Mr. Lister.  Fall was playing tackle football at the Indian Mound, and Halloween trick or treating in the neighborhood.  Winter was easy, cold, snow on the ground, and Christmas presents under the tree.

As I got older, I began to see different signs of seasons changing.  Spring time was the time of year to begin earning money from cutting grass.  Summer was more of the same, but with an occasional short vacation trip with Mom, then those dreadful 2 a day football practices.  Fall was all about high school football and winning championships.  Winter was still cold, but ole Santa just wasn't the same anymore.

My allergies would get the best of me too.  Spring time was planting time, filling the air with all kind of chemicals.  Summer was almost as bad, working for Jimmy Thompson checking cotton for insects.  A week didn't go by where you were soaking wet from the morning dew, then parched from the afternoon sun.  Occasionally I would be in a field and get sprayed by the crop duster who was behind in his rounds.  Fall was the time for defoliants and cotton gin dust.  The chemicals took the remaining life out of the cotton and soybean plants, and the gin dust coated the whole town of Inverness like a light dusting of brown snow.  Winter was the only time I could actually breathe.

College years led to spring college baseball and following Coach Ron Polk work his ball magic.  Summers were filled with jobs for spending money for the coming fall.  Fall was back to school, trips to Jackson for the biggest games, and winter was the welcomed Christmas break!

Before I knew it I was married, and had a house.  Spring was time to spruce up the yard.  Summer was full of neighborhood gatherings in Bellegrove for parties and fun.  Fall was more time spent with the spousal unit following her team of choice.  Winter was more time spent with each other, enjoying a hot glowing fire and time off from an occasional ice storm.

Soon, two boys entered our lives.  Spring became the time for T-Ball and buddy ball, and of course, our introduction to the game of soccer.  Summer was a time for picnics, trips to the zoo, swimming, and the beginning of many treks to Orlando.  Fall was our introduction to "one time in band camp" and having the time of our lives as band parents working the concession stands with our new found friends.  Soccer became a year around sport, lasting 11 months during Morgan's last year.

Now its all different.  Spring time brings on the necessity of cleaning and the occasional garage sale.  Summer is now interrupted  with the stores selling school supplies in July.  Fall is the time for the stores to set out their Christmas decorations.  In Kroger, you can tell what season it is by the selection of candy in its displays in the center aisle. If you are looking for summer clothing in August, you are out of luck! 

Its not even August and we are already dreaming of Football and planning tailgating.  With both boys no longer in the house, and them eventually getting serious with the female of their choice, I guess I better get ready for more changes in the seasons!  The times, they are forever changing!