Funky, frivilous, forbidding, frigid, foul, fabulous, fickle....February. Just a few of the 'F' words used to describe February in Chicago. The fabulous part was our warm up last week which is to end today with more snow, possibly setting a record for the snowiest February on record since records were kept.
The slightest hint of Spring causes some to dream that winter is over at last, but the longer you live the wiser you get, and I remember getting caught wearing sandals in a blizzard in April . The liklihood of being clobbered by old man winter is pretty good. Call me jaded but when the first warm days of the year appeared last week I didn't even think Spring, I just got out and enjoyed it while it lasted.
As the temperatures rose, I was happy to see my garden appear unscathed by the huge amount of snow on it and was even able to do a little garden clean up and some pruning under the February sunshine.
But back to reality this week. Check the calendar. March 20 is the first day of Spring. Somewhere. Just not here. Spring in Chicago is usually mid- to -late May, unless we're lucky and it arrives in April. See how living through many Chicago winters make you pessimistic?
Another 'F' word which I'll soon be using is farewell. Farewell, February. The only good thing I can say about you is that you are short and we are one month closer to Spring.
Beautiful header! I even got a little mulch down over those new phlox that I planted last fall. I was concerned that once the snow melted they would be exposed. My back garden still has the remnants of a huge snow hill.
ReplyDeleteEileen
The beautiful weather last week was wonderful Carolyn, and quite a bonus after the blizzard. Nearly all the snow is melted here, just in time for more! It was nice being out in the sun and relative warmth, even if only for a few days. I got out and did some pre-spring cleanup, and enjoyed seeing all the green rosettes of perennials poised to break out in just a few more short weeks. In the meantime, I'm still enjoying indoor activities and the slower pace of winter while it lasts.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a winter that is TOO LONG for Southerners! :-)
ReplyDeleteI spent the entire day outside. Weeding those early thugs and watering the garden because we're in a drought. Cutting back some perennials that have green sprouts. Amazingly, by the end of the day, there were seed sprouts from my fall sowing that weren't there this morning. I supposed 76 degrees, sunshine and watering was all that was needed!
Cameron
I hear ya sista! Sitting here watching the flurries fall on the inch or so we got last night.
ReplyDeleteYour "M" word for March should be MUD.
Thanks, Eileen. It was nice to get a break from the blizzard, albeit, a short one.
ReplyDeleteHey Linda,
ReplyDeleteWe just can't wait to get outdoors, can we? It certainly put the spring back into my step.
Hey Cameron,
ReplyDeleteAll winters are too long for Southerners :-) I always joke that anything below 70 is cold :-)
I have my weather map set on Raleigh, or as I call it "Lea " land after my darling grandaughter so I know you must have a true Spring now after days of 50's, 60's and 70's .
We are about to set a record for the snowiest February in Chicago as it is snowing as I write and we may accumulate an additional inch or two to go over the 27 feet of snow set back in the 1800's.
Great post! Definitely got my attention! I would use the same "F" words to describe the similar weather in Missouri.. I can't wait until the days are consistently warm, but I will have to patiently wait...
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to saying farewell to February!
ReplyDelete