So, for the first time in over a decade, I went camping this last weekend. Growing up, it always seemed that our family had basketball games or football games, track meets or ballet practices. The weekends were full by themselves. However, with a little persuading, I headed out into the wild outdoors (read campsite) for a weekend outside.

I forgot how enjoyable campfires are. And, while we didn't have a motor home, a trailer, or even the necessary pots, pans, or coolers, it was still fun. Our campsite, when compared to everyone else's did tend to look a little meager, but it was still ours. Sitting around the fire, grilling hot dogs, smelling the 'campfire' smell was great. Naturally, instead of buying or bringing wood, we had to forage for our wood in the forest out of 'principle.' But, even though it was untraditional, it still got the job done. And, our recurring efforts to keep our fire alive helped stir up conversation with our neighbors, as well.

The weekend was full of walking, hiking, swimming, sun bathing and eating. And, it was great! However, as we didn't have a cooler, we didn't have a real dinner our second night, except for that of granola bars, fruit, carrots, and plenty of homemade cookies. However, we both seemed to manage just fine. Thus, after a plethora of mosquito bites, I was ready to head home Sunday morning to a shower and a hot breakfast.

Sleeping outdoors (even with mats) made me appreciate my comfy pillow-top mattress even more!

So, after the gorgeous day we had on Friday, I woke up this morning to the sound of rain hitting the roof and cascading down into the rain gutters. While I tried to trick myself into believing that this was simply an extended dream state, I think I knew better. However, I rolled over and fell back asleep. Thankfully, when I awoke several hours later, the rain had subsided.

One would think that in the middle of June, I'd be waking up every day to the sun shining in through my bedroom windows. But, that's the funny thing about weather, we have no control over it. Regardless of whether we want a gorgeous sunny summer day or a white Christmas, we have no control.

I think this is one of the things that is the most intriguing about weather. Given all of our modern technology and our ability to "forecast," at the end of the day, we have no control. We are totally at the hands of mother nature. We strive to control everything in our daily lives, but we simply can't. And, I think that the helter-skelter nature of weather helps remind us of this.

As yesterday's bluesy June day came to an end, I realized that I was ready for an actual summer. Luckily, that's exactly what I got today. A beautiful, sunny, and clear day was just what the doctor ordered.

As we slowly move into March, I can't wait for the full arrival of spring. The other day I stepped out my door and I could smell it coming. You know how spring has its own smell? After a long, cold, and snowy winter, this smell was greeted like that of pumpkin pies on Thanksgiving. Even if spring brings rain, that is part of the smell. I'm waiting for the flowers to bloom, the leaves to return to the trees, and the sun to shine. However, until that day fully comes, I wait.