As I’ve grown closer to full social security age, the idea of retirement has popped up in my mind a time or two. Not that I’m ready to do that. I truly love what I do and don’t feel the need to walk off into the sunset just yet.

However, during a recent conversation I had with my wife, the subject came up due in part to the cold weather that had settled in that week. I mentioned how nice it might be to live in a place that was warm throughout the year.

She informed me that the idea of a more tropical setting is nice, but not something she thinks I would ever want to do.

Perhaps she’s right; nevertheless, a soothing ocean breeze can often sound very enticing, especially on those cold winter nights that will soon arrive in this part of the country.

After we had finished the conversation, I quickly dismissed the thought. Who wants to retire anyway! I’m sure I would be bored to tears, at least after a few years!

Days later, while traveling home at dusk, I caught a glimpse of a beautiful autumn sunset painting the sky with colors of reds, oranges, and yellows, meeting an indigo sky. A little further down the road, I noticed the colorful leaves that had fallen and were decorating the rural road leading to my house.

I suddenly realized how much I enjoy the fall season. For that matter, I remembered how much I love all the seasons we experience here. Each one brings its own unique beauty and splendor, even Old Man Winter.

Add to that the diverse topography (always wanted to use that word) that makes each region of the state unique, then why would anyone ever want to leave this place?

I’ve had the good fortune of traveling from one end of the commonwealth to the other over the past several weeks. From the grain fields in the west during the harvest to the mountain forests in the east displaying their autumn coats, and most spots in between.

My thoughts about tropical breezes gave way to the wonderful reality of a place that has been home all of my life. Besides, I can always take a vacation to the beach, but I could never replace the seasonal beauty of Kentucky.

As we make our way through this busy holiday time of year, my prayer for all is to be safe, be happy, and be content to experience the seasons of our lives here at home, as we all travel down the backroads.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!