"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state than to be hopelessly in love with spring."  -- George Santayana

A Facebook friend posted this quote recently, and it resonated with me.  It pretty much sums up how I feel about the changing of the seasons, and explains why I would probably never be happy living anywhere without them.  I really don't think we appreciate anything fully unless we experience something else for a while instead.  Hence, the oppressive heat of summer makes crisp fall weather seem inviting, and the long, cold winter makes spring's budding flora seem all the more exciting.