Spring Has Sprung, Almost
Waking up this morning to birds chirping, sun shining and the promise of near 60 degree weather was most invigorating. Though yesterday was a bit warmer than normal, the ever-present wind was quite cold.
However, I did manage to take my first long walk of the year to and from the neighboring park. The wind coming off the still cold sound waters were biting, but it was bearable after 10 or so minutes into my interval walk. Plus the sun was beaming brightly.
It is always amazing how many people think this is such a year round haven. They haven’t actually spent a full winter braving the constant nor-easterly winds coming off the ocean and sound waters. Don’t tell me how lucky I am because we rarely see snow!
It’s too damn cold for these bones and can’t see spending another winter here. I’m hoping for January thru March to be spent in south-central Florida next year ;D
All this talk about our lovely winds reminds me of a story my husband Tim shared with me.
Tim was working in Carova Beach (4WD access only, suburb of the Outer Banks) and his friend Ronnie, a lineman for the power company, was working in the bucket of his bucket truck lifted up into the air. The wind was blowing so hard it blew his hardhat off into a flooded part of the road.
A nearby neighbor suggested sending his dog after the floating hat, that looked like a lifeboat on the ocean in the middle of this rain created pond behind the dunes. Ronnie wouldn’t have it knowing how cold that water was. Though the dog wouldn’t have minded one bit, I’m sure.
So Ronnie came down out of the bucket and drove down the sand road to the pond that blocked access to the other side and was able to creep into the water with his truck far enough and snag the hat with his extension pole.
After this he wrapped electrical tape around his hood that was pulled over the hardhat to keep it on his head. What a sight that must have been!
Okay, you say, this is not that dramatic. So What? Well this is an every day occurrence for the hard working men and women that must endure the winter winds and chills to get to a pay check. And I’m sure they will tell you this is extreme.
Each day of each winter Tim tells me of the harshness of the wind on his ability to work. He’s an electrician and must work outside on the oceanfront for many jobs. I couldn’t do it!
So my friends, when we get a hint of spring, especially with ‘light’ winds, we get more than just a bit excited around these parts. It’s spring fever at its highest temperature.
Yes, I do feel for the snow bunnies of the north, but hey, winter still comes to the Outer Banks in extreme forces. And this is not far enough south as far as I’m concerned.
Come on spring! You are welcomed joyously for this body needs thawed from the wind-chills driven by the constant bellowing winds!
Patiently awaiting the blooms of my azaleas,
Lisa
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Ha, it is spring here on the west coast too. A few days last week in the high 60′s with all the spring bulbs in bloom. This morning spring changed its mind and the temp at 6:30 am was 23 degrees! Some snow forecast for tonight and tomorrow. And last week I was worried that my overwintered kale was done with the warm weather. Today, well look at this week’s Wordless Wednesday post to see what the kale looked like this morning!
Glad you found my WW post last week, Lisa. The WW posts are fun and bring in a great group of regulars. Can’t always write serious posts, I guess. Happy WW!
Will´s last blog ..Can The World Really Afford To Eat Ethically?
So true, Will! Being in the early stages of blogging, I have found it easier to just write of the moment and that’s not always too serious.
Lisa, you are so right, and this winter has been the worst I have ever seen over here.
Guess I should start worrying ’bout that global ‘cooling’ thing, huh?
Any hint beautiful weather, sun and birdie song, is right refreshment! I feel wonderful when it happens such a day…
Love, love, love that it is here today…70 degrees!
I can’t wait for the sun. It’s so wonderful and brightens my mood to another level. I am so looking forward for this long winter to come to an end.
Alex´s last blog ..How To Survive A Scary Movie, Entrepreneur Style
Yes, Alex. I agree and it has certainly gotten my creative juices flowing!
Time to put away my Candle Making and take up my planting. I love spring, but I dread the clean up after the winter.
Hi Lisa,
Reading of other people’s escapades in colder climates always makes me 1) shiver and 2) wonder how it’s done year after year
My family is from Hawaii and I’ve lived in California most of my life. I don’t mind visiting or exploring colder areas, but don’t think I’d live there for any great length. Brrrr…
Bring on Spring indeed
Hi Lisa
Spring has definately sprung in the UK and not before time.
This winter has been a record breaker in lots of ways and it seemed to go on forever.
Thanks for the words of optomism and the picture of the Azalea… can’t wait for the Spring colours to start appearing.
Keith Davis´s last blog ..A helping hand…
I’m with you, Keith! Waiting, not so patiently, for the buds to burst into bloom.
Hi Lisa — springs pokes its head up along the southern shore of Lake Erie rather later than the rest of our state. Travel just a few miles south of us, and the leaves are budding. Here the buds are still hazy as I walk along and look up through the trees. The winter limbs have just the tiniest hints of bulges where new leaves will sprout in a month.
I grew up in southern Ohio where April showers did indeed bring May flowers, and we sang it every spring. And March brought balmy winds. Well, it’s still in the 30′s, with lifts to the high 40′s. Not exactly balmy yet. But we’ll be along…….
Barb Hartsook´s last blog ..We Live Where Our Focus Is
We have a promise of low 60s by the end of the week…we’ll see. I just about can’t bear it any longer
P.S. I LOVE your blog’s theme!!!!!!!
Barb Hartsook´s last blog ..We Live Where Our Focus Is
Thanks, Barb. Still trying to decide if its too much, but being fairly new to blogging I’ll let it ride for now!
I love Spring! That’s my favorite season all year round! Don’t you just love it when grass started to sprout new leaves and you see snow slowly melting under the sunny skies? Amazing, isn’t it?
I must agree with you. Spring for me is a symbol of hope (if not being over melodramatic). And, Lis, you must be really sad to see Tim or Ronnie doing the hard work during winter. I sometimes do some jobs in the winter and “it is not easy!” I can still feel the chill running my spine until now as if it’s still winter! I’m glad spring came finally. Best of luck to you and Tim.