It’s the classic dilemma – which season is the best in the Ouachita region? Of course, the Chamber of Commerce answer if that they are all wonderful in their own way. But be honest, we can all agree that summer humidity in this area ranges from unbearable to miserable. Then, there’s winter. We certainly can’t compete on snow totals with other parts of the country, but winter is usually quite wet. Show of hands – how many of you would actually pick summer or winter as your favorite season? That’s what I thought.
So, the competition is between spring and fall. Cool, frosty spring mornings often lead to brilliant sunshiny days. Warm autumn days with hints of a cool breeze provide relief from the stifling summer months.
January and February in Arkansas are un-predictable, and usually not very pleasant. As we watch the evening weather reports, we are grateful to live on the lower cusp of most of the winter storms. Sometimes, the fronts dip down into the northern reaches, providing icy embellishments to our beautiful mountain regions. The problem is, the undercoat of frozen precipitation makes clearing roads very difficult. Schools close, kids find every available piece of cardboard to slide down the hills. These “snow days” are not frequent enough to make winter worthwhile in most memory books.
March is usually tumultuous. Whoever came up with the idea of the month coming in like a lion was right on track. In our region, we always keep an eye to the sky, as the storms that arrive when winter is exiting can be violent and deadly. Most years, the middle of the month is better, as flowers bloom, and the sun stays out without warming to a threatening level. We begin to breathe easier by the time the lamb shows up towards the thirty-first.
By the time April comes along, the flower beds are full of color. Shrubs like japonica and forsythia provide a beautiful backdrop for tulips and irises.
Depending on the actual date for Easter, shoppers search for new outfits and shoes. We are happy to scrub our homes and spruce up our yards. Even the birds appreciate the spring cleaning, as scouts for migrating flocks come through to inspect the facilities. If we have cleaned and protected their houses properly, they will soon settle in to usher in new additions to their families. Sunrise symphonies are hopeful, and increasingly noisy!
Our neighbors begin to drive around with kayaks on their roofs, towing boats behind campers with bicycles strapped on the back. Schools take a pause to allow a break for families to be together. Many head south to beaches, or congregate on nearby lakes. The water around here is still too cold for water sports, but campfires provide a perfect gathering place for making plans for the warmth that is soon to come.
Cameras get a work-out. Fields of daffodils and tulips seem to be the perfect spot to prop up a baby and snap some photographic memories. With digital pictures making creation and deletion so easy, we have no fear of “wasting film”, so the possibilities are only limited by the patience of our young relatives. We also try to be in the right place at the right time for a perfect sunrise or sunset photo. Cool temperatures make waiting for the right shot worthwhile. If we miss it, we can come back the next day. 
Once March madness is over and we emerge from our basketball-watching caves, baseball becomes the sport of choice. Happy chatter starts to fill the ballfields, and families grab a quick hot dog supper on the way to cheer each other on. The tinny sound of a bat making connection with a ball is music to our ears. Kids learn that winning and losing both have valuable lessons for their lives.
Don’t get me wrong, every day of spring is not perfect for baby-propping and picture taking. We do live on the border of winter storms and tropical warmth, which does result all too often in storms. Flooding can still be an issue, and we always keep an eye to the sky. But when the sun comes out, we soak it up, and all seems well for a while.
Back to our competition for the best season. Fall has its plusses too. The trees in our area often put on a show, covering the hillsides in glorious color. Everyone looks forward to athletic competitions and marching bands. Campfires become bonfires, and gatherings in the woods are centered around families hunting together. Yes, autumn can be attractive.
Right now, though, with the sun streaming in to dispel the winter gloom, Spring is definitely our favorite season. Come back and ask again in October. 
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