The thaw has started, snow banks are receding and temperatures are rising slightly. The sun is shining in a blue cloudless sky, heralding the arrival of March. I spotted two blue jays in flight today and a hawk perched on a still bare tree bough. The air is filled with the wonderful sweet sounds of birdsong welcoming the brighter longer days. The birds no longer needing to conserve all their energy to survive the bitterness of winter. The sun feels warmer as it shines brightly in the sky and the days noticeably longer. Now the sun rather than street lights illuminate my walk to and from work. All signs of an eagerly awaited Spring. Past years have taught me not to get overly excited by these signs. Why? Because there is the March blizzard yet to come. The blizzard that has visited faithfully every March I have been here. The blizzard that interrupts my joy in the arrival of spring. The little practical joke Mother Nature plays every March making a body wonder if winter will ever release its grip.
The morning temperatures are now averaging about 14F/-10C with highs of 34F/1C. It has warmed up. Still I was unprepared to see the attire of a number of students as they made their way to class. My first encounter, a young woman walking across campus on her way to an 8AM class in flip-flops. No socks, No jacket, bare little piggies in flip flops! Making my way towards the Science building lo and behold two young men hurrying into the building, no socks, legs bare and exposed to the elements in shorts no less. I was flabbergasted. We were only in the grip of winter bitterness yesterday! I am still donning the quilted, down filled, ankle length coat, furry hat, extra large red wool scarf that is double wrapped around my neck and face, fur lined boots and tinsulate gloves. I have reduced my outer wear with this warming. I am no longer wearing the fur lined mittens over my gloves, the second scarf and bulky wool cardigan under my coat. I have also cast aside the woolly socks. This is as much as I am willing to shed for the moment. I have no intention of being caught off guard again. After all the Blizzard is coming.
