The Chocolate You Can't Resist

the Springtime robins first call summoning the season to begin ushering the newest round of life to the landscape? The energy and anticipation one feels when seeing the weather changing from cold and snowy to feeling the touch of Springs warm breeze as it flows through the trees as their buds begin to form. Seeing the blossoms forming and the honey bees buzzing awaiting their first crab-apple tree to pollinate and watching the rolling hills of the orchards covering the vibrant green earth with a plethora of colors painted in clusters of fiery pink, pulsating violet and glowing ivory mixed with magenta. The way the brook sparkles as you run your fingers across its swirling surface, soothing you to sleep while laying in a cool bed of absorbent lush grass freshly laid in preparation for your arrival.

the way the summer ushers in the fullness of a deep forests camouflage of thick pines, mighty oaks and elegant birch tees? The warming waters of streams that wind through the wild flower covered meadows, carrying with them the sustaining refreshment to the many critters of the land that make their journey to the rivers edge. Sipping chilled glasses of lemonade on a porch while watching the sunset dissolve into the horizon and the magnificence of a summer nights firework show from fire flies that fill the air and scatter about the fog laden fields, while listening to the call of the great cricket and the noble frog bellowing down on a bog. Taking a lazy canoe ride down the patient crystal brook while enjoying the symphonic harmony from the countless birds about the skies and those perched on pedestals of the surrounding brambles.

the first sight of a maple leaf changing color in the warm egg yolk yellow glow of the sun and the scent of autumn in the air that comforts the soul? Feel Mother Natures embrace in the breeze. Watch the leaves float effortlessly about the hills and valleys. Smell the season of happiness and listen to the sounds of pleasure rustling in the kaleidoscope colored trees. The laughter of children galloping though a pumpkin patch and the nod from a fellow scarecrow as you sip warm spiced cider from your favorite mug. Gather that pile of leaves together. Build that perfect mound, jump in and toss the leaves about. Congregate with family and friends by that perfectly stoked fire crackling away as you compare who’s chili recipe is the best and tell stories while sipping on hot cocoa and melting s’mores. Carve that perfect pumpkin to place on your front stoop and offer that perfect treat for the little tricksters that scamper about the bustling neighborhood streets. Gobble-gobble is on its way and no one can resist that heart melting smell of fresh baked pumpkin pie and savory roasted turkey with all the trimmings. We gather with our loved ones, no matter who you are or where you are from, we take time to appreciate one another and all that we have. What a great beginning to the season of thanks and giving that lies ahead as the air becomes frigid, the leaves have blown away and the first frost has set in. The great fall harvest has come and gone and the first snowfall is upon us.

the magical beauty of a snowflake inching its way toward the white blanketed ground creating pillow esque mounds of cotton like snow drifts that await the first plunging into and great snow fortress to be made? The glimmer of enchanting lights beginning to make their way to the streets and the fragrance of thick pines filling the air, while that gift list for giving starts to take shape. We fill our homes with happiness and the nostalgia of stories from days gone by and prepare for a great season of snowball throwing, snowman making and warm spiced eggnog drinking good times. We bring together the traditions of one and all to celebrate our lives and well being as the new year approaches and as the decorating of a tree or two is completed and a carol or two is sung, we share with one another the love and gladness from our hearts in appreciation of another great year lived. After our glorious feast has been consumed along with an extra piece of pie and a cookie or two, we look to a new year of opportunity with aspirations of many of the same great joys from the year just lived and a few more surprises as well. The season becomes arctic in the air and the land becomes a snowy eternity of bright white and ice sculptures. We enjoy the many New Year’s parades and outdoor festivals where family and friends huddle together to sing songs, sip hot beverages and enjoy the small goodies that trigger our memory-lane senses. Warm spiced pecans wrapped in shinny papers, the richness of that perfectly baked and wonderfully warm chocolate chip cookie, that rich chocolatey hot cocoa with an extra touch from a dollop of whipped cream on top or the savory flavors of a winters grill fest with various sausages and cheeses.