The List: The Missing Season

Typically, Minnesota has 4 seasons each year. Well, actually, I like to say there are 5 seasons here in the Upper Midwest. In case you live in an area that typically has fewer seasons, I'll name them for you: Winter, Mud, Spring, Summer and Fall. Our reward for making it through the long, dark cold winters is that we get to enjoy the verdant, fresh spring, the forever long, golden days of summer and the jewel toned, crisp autumn.

The only "season" I don't enjoy is the Mud Season, which is sandwiched in between the dark winter and the lush spring. If you have boys and/or dogs, you know precisely what I mean by the "Mud Season."

However, it would appear that winter has skipped right out of Minnesota this year. This January there are signs of spring instead of winter. This is very strange and actually depressing to me {with the exception of the sunshine} because I feel like I am getting ripped off. We live in frigid Minnesota, after all; give me some snow!!!!

But you be the judge; is it winter or spring?

1. This past week a House Finch flew into my window awning and visited her nest. The one that she and her mate return to each spring to rebuild and lay eggs in.
2. Two days ago, a spider descended on its web from the light fixture in the kitchen towards the floor. We, in MN, do not have spiders from about November to March each year. One of the many reasons I love living in MN.
3. So far, in January, the Twin Cities has been above freezing for 6 of the first 8 days. The forecast for the next 10 days shows above freezing temps for 3 of those days and near freezing temps for an additional 3 days.
4. We have no snow to speak of; and haven't had much snow at all for the winter season. The brown grass is exposed. Everything is stark and dreary and dirty.
5. There is no sledding; no snow ball fights; no snow man or snow fort building; no backyard ice hockey; no snowshoeing; no cross-country skiing. You get the idea.
6. There is no hum from snow blowers in the early mornings and evenings; no faint smell of gas fumes in the crisp night air; and no revving of trucks-converted-to-snow-plows engines as they clear driveways.
7. Today we went to the MN Zoo. We typically go year round since we are members and our zoo has three large exhibits housed inside, but today we spent all of our time...OUTSIDE...in JANUARY. And all the animals were out enjoying the mild weather {OK, well, not all of the animals. The grizzly bears were asleep in their "cave"}. Unheard of.

So, tell me; is it winter or is it spring. Have we completely skipped winter this year? Or will winter finally arrive in February? And what does this mean for the rest of our seasons? Over and out....

Anna

Comments

[Katy]

I love this winter so, so much. : )