Last week when I was starting this article, I was outside walking in balmy 48-degree temps and sunshine. It felt so good to be outside on a beautiful Colorado day. Yes, spring is around the corner and I am delighted.
Finally, the icicles on our roof will melt and our icy driveway may become safer. I am tired of bundling up, shivering, and attending early morning events in a vehicle that is about as cold as me. Cold and more cold is not good!
Although we need all the moisture we can get, I would be happy with more rain and less snow. And, as long as I am hoping … more warmth.
Officially, spring arrives March 20. Even then, we Colorado residents know that date doesn’t really mean us. We may enjoy some snow melting and warmer days, but then the worst of winter can hit. By the time you are reading this, it may be freezing again and spring will feel far away.
Spring blizzards of huge snowfall in Colorado are common. They bring snow that is harder to shovel because it is so wet. Likewise, our poor trees often get pelted with heavy wet snow that breaks off branches and causes all kinds of foliage havoc.
It has even snowed on my May birthday and on a high altitude summer camping trip. While spring may be coming, that doesn’t mean lasting warmer temperatures so keep those warm clothes handy.
I have often joked with my friends that my closet includes every season clothing because I may be using all levels of clothing year-round. On our camping trips, I take shorts but also down jackets and sweatshirts of many thicknesses.
Adverse weather in Colorado is a four season possibility. So, be ready to sweat in December and freeze in June.
Still, I look forward to spring and am always happy to say goodbye to winter. I already ordered my vegetable seeds and will be ready to garden as soon as I can till the ground. Our KOA campground guide arrived today that will encourage me to search for more summer outings and travel dreams. But that’s only if the astonishing gas prices don’t linger.
I’ve already searched high and low for many camping reservations taking us as far as Oregon to visit grandkids, nearby Colorado State Parks, and a remote location in Utah for a spring outing to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.
Certainly, fancier destinations are inviting, but I am happy to just go anywhere. It would be encouraging to look at a landscape that is not snow, snow, snow! Our property has not melted its accumulating snow for many a month. My husband claims we will soon enjoy green grass. I will be happy to view anything green.
Let’s go spring! If I were a cheerleader, I would perform a cartwheel in celebration.
By KAYE SULLIVAN – Special to the Herald Times
