I'm dreaming of a...

...shadowless groundhog.

I'm dreaming of walking out to get my mail barefoot, without 14 layers of clothing.
I'm dreaming of wearing flip flops and skirts without pantyhose.
I'm dreaming of early mornings with the windows wide open, sunlight streaming in, and the music of birds filling my ears.
I'm dreaming of long family walks after dinner and sitting on the front porch until the mosquitos start biting.
I'm dreaming of evenings spent at the ballfield, eating hotdogs and cheering for my daughter and her team.
I'm dreaming of family campouts, playing all day with the kids, making smores, and sitting up half the night with my hubby by the campfire.
I'm dreaming of days spent chatting with my best girlfriends by a pool while our kids swim.
I'm dreaming of laying on my back with my girls looking at the stars that are finally out at 10PM.
I'm dreaming of cookouts with friends and family...juicy grilled burgers (by my hubby, the Grillmaster himself), coleslaw, corn on the cob, fresh bright red tomatoes, strawberry pie...and little smiling faces dripping with watermelon juice.
I'm dreaming of hikes through the woods at our favorite local State Park...the beautiful trees and ground covering, the piney smell, the sound of birds and toads and crickets.
I'm dreaming of fishing and canoeing and kayaking.
I'm dreaming of 4th of July picnics and parades and fireworks.
I'm even dreaming of weeding and mulching and the sound of the lawn tractor and the smell of fresh cut grass.
I'm dreaming of powerful, awe-inspiring thunderstorms...when you just can't help but stop whatever you're doing to sit and watch and marvel at the awesome power of our Creator.
I'm dreaming of family bike rides through the neighborhood.
I'm dreaming of meeting new friends as we watch our kids play at the park.
I'm dreaming of snow cones (topped with marshmallow, of course) from our favorite produce stand on the way home from church each Sunday.
I'm dreaming of laundry that is finished so quickly because in place of bulky jeans and hoodies are shorts and t-shirts.

No. I'm not complaining about winter. I'm just daydreaming about when it is over. That is the one thing that I LOVE about winter - It makes us appreciate the other beautiful seasons of the year.