“Thy tooth is not so keen, Because thou art not seen”
(Shakespeare, As You Like It)
“Where is Winter?” The calendar tells me we are in its grip, but the thermometer says, not so. 2015 brought thigh high snows, yet 2016 has seen nary a flake. “Where is Winter?”
Our daffodils, normally unseen until April, are breaking ground, and like a periscope, daring to peek at a most unusual sight…grass, in February. “Where is Winter?”
I almost expect to see worms wiggling out of my way as I leave prints in the soft underfooting of my yard, a ground seemingly unfrozen. But they know better, this is just a tease before arctic air dares to return for an end of season blast, the way firework finales finish a show. And my orange snowblower looks content to be idle, gathering dust instead of devouring snow. “Where is Winter?”
Today, I saw a flock of Canada geese heading north. Were they locals who call this home, or the real birds that migrate when weather signals them to go? Oh, let it be the latter. I do admire watching their hard work, these harbingers of the changing seasons. I called to them, “Where is Winter, eh?”, but they were far gone.
I am not a ‘winter person’. Neither the snow nor the cold make my life comfortable. I grumble about it. And just when I’m ready to say, ‘enough with this nonsense, Mother Nature senses my frustration and begins the change to the most beautiful stretch of weather from April thru November. It’s the reward for my patience with her.
But for now, the strange calmness that has enveloped us along the Niagara frontier reminds me of the sailors on the listing Pequod, waiting and waiting for the wind. In our case, the winter wind. I do not miss the winter, wherever it is.
I believe I am not alone…am I?
srbottch
to my Rochester Instagram followers, whether you are winter fans, or not
S'amusing 
You are not alone.except I wish To have some minus températures To have less mosquiros in summer
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Well we have it cold enough to kill the ‘skeeters’ (US slang), but still get our share in summer. And my neighbor has a birdbath with standing water which will attract them, too.
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“Where is Winter, eh?” Hahahaha. Is that where you are? In Rochester? Close enough to pick up the Canadian lingo? I do love having four distinct seasons. What I don’t love is 57 Fahren one day and 32 Fahren the next. There were so many birds singing in the trees today. It’s topsy-turvy, I tell you! Fun post.
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Elen, I must confess that I inserted the ‘eh’ specifically for you. Remember, they were Canada geese. I’m elated that you noticed it and commented. I bet The G-man can’t slip anything by you. As for the lingo, But notation was part of my sales territory and I loved going there, except for Toronto (just didn’t seem like Canada), thoroughly enjoyed the people. Had some nice Grand Marnier at the Inn At the Falls in Bracebridge in Jan (talk aboot snow. Thanks for the fun.
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Where indeed is winter! We have snowdrops out and the hellebores are coming into bud. Only hope they aren’t surprised if it does snow!
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Upcoming forecast isn’t daunting. Can’t believe we’ll make it the rest of the way without some kind of ‘punch in the face’. Thanks for your comment.
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Around here we have Summer and February, and this year even February has started out mild. I spent several winters in Alaska and really enjoyed the changing seasons. Just about the time I got tired of one, the next would begin. I really enjoyed this post. I just hope you haven’t jinxed yourself!
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It is so nice to hear from you. We had enough snow to cover the ground the day after I posted it. But mild temps prevailed and it’s gone. The snow picture is more normal for us (85″/yr ave) but I’m enjoying this winter. I agree with you about the changing seasons, variety being the spice of life. Are you in Instagram? I enjoy that more than FB.
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I’m not on Instagram. Maybe I should check it out!
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I am wondering if Mother Nature is just biding her time to see if we’ll be fooled:). My neighbor’s magnolia is starting to show signs of growth–which is far too early! I hope your daffodils are wiser.
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At least it’s keeping the deer in their domain, for the most part, where they still have access to shrubs and other deer delicacies, saving our hydrangeas from their foraging. But the east coast is getting their share.
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I fear that this is to be our new normal.
Perhaps a slightly tongue-in-cheek subtitle could be, “Global Warming? What Global Warming?”.
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I thought about that until I checked all the storms hitting everywhere else but here, thankfully. Can’t wait for Spring/Summer. 😎 thanks for the comment and the FOLLOW.
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Down here in South Texas, we have hardly seen winter. I think it must be our close friend, El Niño.
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I thought we were home safe here. From -0- on the ground last Monday evening to 17-24″ by Tuesday evening. Winter in western NY.
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