Archive: Opinions

The extremely mild weather has been the topic of conversation in most homes and work places since the middle of January. Many linked the warmer than normal temperatures and small amounts of snowfall with global warming. Others cautiously warned that there would be a price to pay for the mild winter, and that "we would have to pay for this" with more extreme weather in February and March. Somehow, the God of Winter would exact revenge against humanity for discussing and yes, even enjoying the delightfully mild weather.

It was at this time, mid-January, that I began writing in my desk planner the daily temperature and weather conditions. Each day, I would write the temperature and jot down a few words describing the weather for a particular day. Phrases such as "warm and sunny" became a daily mantra. As the season entered it harshest phase-late January through the middle of February, I looked in wonder at the daily temperatures recorded in my planner.

Winter had vanished. There was little evidence that it had actually existed. All we experienced was an early Spring. Winter, as you may recall from your childhood or remember from last year, is the time of year when temperatures range from -25° F to 30° F. On average there is about 20 inches of snow on the ground which remains in place until late March or early April.

At some time in February, temperatures hover around zero creating an apocalyptic world where the snow makes a squeaky sound when you walk on it. Even the most mild mannered person begins to question what could one have done so horrible to have angered Old Man Winter in such a way that one shivers just thinking about going outside.

As a believer that all Gods, even the God of Winter, occasionally shows compassion upon us, I determined that this abnormally mild winter was a gift from the old man himself. Winter had taken pity upon the inhabitants of North America. While Europe and Asia suffered their worst winter in decades, we enjoyed record warms and highs not seen since the eve of the ice age. Snowfall became a rare and even pleasant event.

Not everyone has enjoyed this blessing. Those who rely on snow and cold weather, namely the winter sports industry, have faced an unexpected financial loss. My heart goes out to the many ski instructors who have watched machine made snow melt as quickly as it was made. To those who enjoy snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snow shoveling, there's always next year.

But for those of us who yearn for longer growing seasons, this is our year. Flowers are beginning to bloom several weeks earlier than normal. I was too slow to harvest some pussy willow branches as they have already past their bloom and gone to seed.

Undaunted by my slow start, I have taken my ancient roto-tiller to the repair shop for its annual tune up. It is poised at the garden gate ready to till the earth nearly a month ahead of time. Radishes, peas, and some spinach await planting. Weeds beware. And that is to the point.

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