A Burst of Spring

It's snowing--again. Of course, it is the final Saturday in January, in northcentral Pennsylvania--what would I expect the weather to be? Unlike other regions of Pennsylvania and the northeast, my region has not received what others have been forecast. For this, I am most grateful. However, rather than producing a spirit of thankfulness within me, the continual dusting of snow that we receive several times during each week has been irritating.

It's during these moments of irritation when I reflect upon a warmer climate that my family lived in during the 90s decade: a small town 30 or so minutes from Charleston, South Carolina, and later, Virginia Beach, Virginia. This time period--when my two children were born and experienced their formative years--warms my heart, which then spreads to change my overall mood.

Winter in the South is delightful to experience. Temperatures for the most part run 20- to 30- degrees warmer than Pennsylvania, and except for an approximate two-week long period, is relatively quickly to adjust towards. Go coatless in January? Why yes, I think I will. Plant flowers in February? How many varieties would you like? Walk on the beach with toes flirting in the ocean water in early March? Absolutely!

Fifty-one days until Spring.