Springtime in Winter

The weather here has been sorta crazy. Even though Punxsutawny Phil told us on February second that there will be six more weeks of winter, it's been springtime here for a couple of weeks. The forecast through the next week or so says temperatures in the sixties--you know, springtime. My perennials are peeking their little green heads out of the dirt in the front gardens and I saw a robin in the back yard yesterday. A robin! In February! We've been walking in the park each afternoon and man, oh man, kids are having blast on the playground that's usually covered in snow this time of year. All in all, we're a little freaked out here.

It's not like we haven't had warm winters before--they cycle through our Midwest weather just like droughts and floods cycle through the West Coast. But as I get older, I'm more aware of warm versus cold winters. I think that's because so many of my friends escape to warmer climates right after Christmas and I don't see hide nor hair of them again until the first of April. I know it's eighty-two in Mexico and Texas and Florida right now, but they're missing some pretty spectacular days back here at home.

I think I'd be a lousy snowbird. I'd miss watching my world turn silent and white. I'd miss--too much--walking outside to sniff the crisp, cold scent of winter and hearing the crunch of snow under my boots. I'd miss feeling all cozy and warm by the fireplace while the wind whistles outside. Husband would definitely miss being able to play with his snowblower (it's a guy thing). I'd miss sending pictures of the snow to Grandboy--he loves it when we do that.

And this--look at this gorgeous creature, who came out a couple of years ago after a big snowstorm that kept our kids with us a few extra days at Christmastime. Grandboy was so jacked to see this little fox, who wandered out into the snow and perched up on top of her den to soak up a bit of sunshine and crisp air. (Photo compliments of Son, who was thrilled for a chance to use his telephoto lens to capture this great pic across the back yard.)

So yeah, I'm kinda missing winter and hoping that we'll get at least one nice big snowfall before April first. What about you? How's the weather where you are?

Oh, before I go, just a quick shout-out to author/podcaster Lani Diane Rich for her new podcast network--Chipperish Media. She starts podcasting on March 8 with "Jed Bartlett Is My President"--all about The West Wing, one of my very favorite TV series. And she'll be talking story on the "How Story Works" podcast. Check out Chipperish, like her on Facebook, and head on over to Patreon and become a Chipperish patron. You'll be so glad you did!