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!

Comments

  1. We had a burst if snowy winter weather a couple weeks ago on a night I had an important school meeting... I'd live one more blast of winter if I didn't have to go out in it! :-)

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    1. You know, I don't mind going out in it if it's not treacherous...I like to wear my boots. ;-) Just one more nice snow is all I'm asking...hopefully if I get my wish, it'll happen at a time when you don't have to go out! Thanks for stopping by, Ava!

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  2. Yeah, I'm with Ava. That whole "going out in it" bites. I must admit that not having a day job made all the difference in how I feel about winter weather, though! Love the fox picture.

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    1. Since I haven't had an out-of-the-house day job in like 20 years, I'm a bad one to talk about going out in inclement weather. But I get why it wouldn't be fun. Isn't that a great pic? She stayed out there for a couple of hours and Grandboy kept running to the French doors to look out and see her.

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  3. My only complaint this winter is the gray - I do love a good snow, the cold doesn't bother me (too much) because I don't have to go out in it if I don't want to...but this winter has been really gray and dreary here. I'm ready for that part to go! And I'm loving this hint of early spring!

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    1. I wholeheartedly agree, Kristi, about the gray. The gloomy gets tiresome... ;-(

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  4. I've had enough snow. The trouble with snow here is:
    A) most Portlanders/Vancouverites don't know how to drive in it and our metro basically shuts down after an inch or so piles up.

    B) Freezing rain inevitably follows making everything worse.

    C) Retail is the one business that doesn't seem to shut down. So, I have to find a way to work.

    D) We have radiant heat--worst invention ever!-that we don't use, so when it gets cold outside, we're huddled around our little sundial space heater and under throws inside.

    Maybe when I'm in retirement with central air, I'll enjoy it more. Lol

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  5. PS--Love the fox pic! I'd be as excited as grandboy if I saw a fox. Once I was driving to work early in the morning after a light snowfall and I passed a coyote and was stoked. Because it was so unexpected.

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