Today’s guest post is from my brother, Jason.  We are about as close as siblings can be, and we even lived together for a while!  Jason was blessed with what my family calls the “flowery” language, and has always been a tremendous writer.  Enjoy his thoughts on living in NC, the changing seasons, and the memories we all cherish.

So my sister and her husband are now proud homeowners and have plunged themselves headlong into the arduous and exhaustive task of renovating a house to be their home.  No starter home for these two, just a big old foursquare that will easily accommodate their every ambition; a house that will resonate with the personalities of those who hold it dear. 

This morning as I walked out into the street and drew in the first hint of Fall air, I became instantly joyful at the thought that cool weather was just around the corner.  We have been blessed with a mild summer and for the first time in a while, it seems that the seasons have truly presented themselves to us, each in their own distinct way.  One of the joys of living in the South and having four real seasons, as opposed to the eerie perma-tan of somewhere like Florida, is the fact that it provides our memories with a distinct backdrop that truly helps us develop a sense of place.

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Sarah and Charles moving down east is, in a way, an extension of our roots in the areas in which our families have always made their homes.  From the football shaped hospital of Wayne County to the water line of Carolina Beach, we know this area well.  It makes me happy to see my sister establishing herself in a town that we knew well as children, if only for the remedial stop for fried chicken and barbecue at Wilber’s.  The expansive fields that draw out the landscape between Smithfield and Goldsboro and Kinston and Dover bring back a nearly ethereal remembrance of the seasons.  I remember distinctly driving to New Bern to visit family on cold mornings, surely to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas and being always elated to see the men coming out of the woods to their trucks, if they were lucky having something to put in the freezer.  I also remember stopping at Dairy Queens on blistering days on those long stretches of road to spend “ice cream money” our Pap always gave us.  Having lived in North Carolina my whole life, I derive a keen sense of joy from the association of the changing seasons with very real places and people.

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{a very little Jason}

One of the grand opportunities afforded to Sarah and Charles is the ability to see their house take shape over what is looking more and more like a full four season rotation.  When they finally move in to their grand old home, they will already know it, Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall.  I’m sure with each falling of the leaves or sprouting of spring buds, they will have a distinct memory, some fond and some that will hopefully sweeten with time.  It is my hope that they spend many seasons in their beautiful home down east, each year creating memories that build upon years past.  I couldn’t be happier for the two of them and look forward to celebrating many seasons with them, especially the most important one, football season!

Also, check out Jason’s girlfriend’s post about their home and love for cooking.

Have a wonderful weekend!  :)

{If you would like to be a guest blogger, please comment below or email me.  Thanks!}