There are five seasons in the cycle of our year. These are not regulated by a date in the calendar, but are from observation of ourselves, nature and the changes in plant life and the food that is available.

It is hard to believe that summer must start on December 1^st in the Southern Hemisphere, and July 1^st in the Northern Hemisphere. Have you ever thought that that is a little too man made?

Our senses tell us exactly when the seasons start. It is a feeling that we must become a tune to.

The five seasons are Late Harvest, Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. The season that is least known is the Late Harvest or also known as the Indian Summer. It is a short season between Summer and Autumn.

It assists in the transition between intense heat and cold weather. It is the season of preparation. To prepare the body for the coming cold weather. We need to build our insulation and ensure that colds and flu's remain outside the body. The best way to achieve this is by blood building foods. All orange colored vegetables aid in blood building. This keeps our circulation healthy.

The autumn season is when we feel like staying at home a little more. The cool mornings and evenings inform us that the shorter days of winter are coming. Outdoor furniture is moved closer to the house, summer beach towels are put away, the larger pots appear in the kitchen for longer style cooking. Pressure cooking.

The winter season is one of contemplation. This is known as the indoor season. It is time to plan for what the year will unfold. As we spend more time in the kitchen with cooking styles of baked foods and casseroles.

The spring season brings a newness. The contemplation of winter is now ready to be put into action. The cooking styles are lighter. Time for a little more steaming and water sautéing.

Summer is time to go on vacation and relax. Swim, sit and talk with friends. Go out and party. It is a very joyful time. We never really like to stay indoors when the sun is high and the sky is blue. The stir fry cooking is very evident at this time of the year. Everything is done quickly including cooking.

In the following pages I have included some of the Traditional Chinese Medicine associations of organs and elements.