In like a lion, out like a lamb…

I think the whole dang pride of lions might have eaten the lamb. Winter in Minnesota can be brutal with weekly winter warnings, blizzard conditions, terrible road conditions, and bone-chilling cold. On the other hand, it can be beautiful with fat snowflakes, snow days, hoarfrost on the trees, and if you are bundled up correctly, wonderful snow activities to partake in like skiing, snow tubing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. My favorite activity in winter is none of the above though. Give me a good book and a blanket, and I’m set. But one can only read for so long, or crochet so many washcloths before it becomes monotonous.

At this point, I, along with, I’d gander, about 90% of Minnesotans, are over it. Completely. And utterly. Over. It. I’m over wet snow pants and boots on the soggy entryway rugs, smelly gloves, scraping windshields, bundling up within an inch of my life, and the cold. I’m ready for spring and about to call the safari hunters to take care of the Lion problem.

Also at this lull between seasons, I’m googling photos of spring flowers, budding trees, and thermometers showing digits in the 70s. I’m staring at my house plants, so close I can see their variegated stripes, and requesting in a sing-songy voice for them to send plant waves to their cousins outside and 3 inches under.

I’ll give them another week or so before I take more drastic measures.

It’s not just the mess that winter brings, it’s also the impact on mental health. By this time of year, I feel like Johnny stewing at The Shining Hotel. Granted, he was very isolated and married to Olive Oil so I’m not seeing the same outcome in my future as he had, but I can relate.

My Vitamin D levels are wonky; I’m sure of it. We have short days and even shorter periods of seeing, feeling, and enjoying the sunshine and daytime hours. I leave for work when it is dark outside and when I walk outside after my shift, there is more darkness. It’s depressing! It doesn’t help I work on the lower level of our medical Center but that’s neither hither nor thither.

On a brighter note, I spotted some robins late last week and when you see those orange (rust?) breasted birds you know that even though Mother Nature may be messing with us, they are not (take note, Punxsutawney Phil!)

Soon we will have muddy roads, puddles, dewy mornings, and sweet blessed sunny days. I’ll ignore the wet boots and mud-covered clothes on my soggy entryway rug because, well, that’s just part of spring. It is essentially what I asked for, right? Spring at its finest.

Today is the first day of Spring and it was beautiful. Don’t let the date fool you.

I think at least another 12 inches total will come our way.

If I’m going to be wrong, which doesn’t happen often (scoff, I’m kidding), let it be this. Please. I’m begging you Mother Nature.