The Winter of our Content

It is February 6^th, and I am buoyant this day.  Giddy almost.  There’s a bounce to my step, and I abound with energy.  Coffee?  No, weather. 

Syracuse, long known for its loonngg winters, is in celebration this season.  Snows are thus far non-existent (I have used my snow blower twice), and what was for some time  like an extended fall season now has the faint smell of an arriving spring.  Temperatures are up, and the sun (yes, the sun!) paints our sky almost daily with precious light.

This is simply unheard of in this land of snow and ice.  What a far cry from last year.  I was talking to a new friend recently, (perhaps more on that later) and we both agreed.  At this time last year, we were in the clutches of what could easily be called a depression of our spirit.  Remember, it started snowing early and didn’t stop.  By February of last year, I felt like looking for a tall bridge over water, some rope to tether me to my snow blower, and … well, you know.

In a general sense, I buy into the theory that weather can affect human behavior.  An article in today’s Syracuse Post-Standard, though controversial, points to some studies that say this is so.  Think about it, it does make sense.  We all crave warmth, light, and the absence of rain and snow.  We’re just happier people then.  It is a part of our genetics.

Time has something to do with that as well.  As kids, we couldn’t wait for the snow to come.  Sleds, forts, snowball fights, bring them on!  As we got older, our toys changed, but we still enjoyed the winter season.  But by the time we put 30 or 40 winters behind us, this snow thing started to become “old.” 

I love Syracuse; it has so many nice things going for it.  I just wish each winter from now on could be just like this one (now, there’s a wish!!).  It’s tolerable, bordering on enjoyable.  And the best part is that it’s almost over.  No matter what happens, only 5 or 6 more weeks stand between today and the beginning of our spring season. 

I know I shouldn’t say this, but if this is global warming….bring it on!  Of course, around here, all one has to do is wait……for 10 minutes.  Cross your fingers.

Mark Twain Quote:  “I reverently believe that the Maker who made us all makes everything in New England….but the weather.”