Tag: Winter

The winter that will not end

decisionsformyfamilyLeave a comment

Before I begin to whine, I will start off by recognizing that we had very little snow over the last two winters. I also fully understand that the last winter was on the milder side. As this winter started I hoped for some snowfall. I joined in with my children doing the “snow day” dance hoping for the day off from school admittedly more than once.

ImageThe first snow day was a welcomed friend that we had not seen in a few years. The second was also embraced. The third was seen as the friend who had one too many drinks at the party. The fourth, well that one was far beyond one too many drinks and was viewed as a drunken fool. This past Monday was the fifth snow emergency closing of the year. If I were to stick to my “friend at the party” comparison, this friend was the one who stuck his face in the punch bowl, took off all of his clothes and passed out in the bushes.

Image 1We have seen temperatures in the single digits termed the polar plunge, early dismissals from school as well as delayed openings due to ice. It is only the beginning of February and according to that crazy groundhog we will have 6 more weeks of winter. I like where we live. I enjoy the experience of all four seasons. These extremes that we endure, the extremes in the heart of the summer during the 90+ degree heat waves. The humidity that you could cut through with a knife.  Or the winters such as this one that are filled with depressing grey sky, freezing temperatures and snow covered earth.   These extremes make me fully appreciate those wonderful breezy early fall evenings still light enough to walk in the park.  Or the early summer days when the pool is just open, the laughter from the kids and friends mixed with the sounds of splashing water.  Most of all I love the beginning of spring as the trees begin to wake from the harsh winter months and sprout those first splashes of green.  The blue skies and sun rays that makes everything feel new and alive.

After the last several weeks I long for the beginning of Spring and promise the first person who complains about the heat of the Summer will be smacked. 🙂

An open agenda, snow and hot chocolate; who could ask for more?

decisionsformyfamilyLeave a comment

For the first time in months, the only thing on the agenda for this weekend is 30 minutes worth of music lessons Saturday morning. Both of the girls have their lessons at the same time.   Other than that, no soccer games, no birthday parties, Frank is not traveling for work, nothing on the calendar that we HAVE to do.  This will be one of the only weekends like this since Spring soccer games will start early March.  This is a rare treat.  What will we do????IMG_3448

For tonight that answer is admire the snow.  We did not get any measurable snow last year.  Late this afternoon a small storm started which is due to bring about 2 inches.  Not much at all but for two little girls who have been waiting since last year to wear the snow boots we bought it is a dream come true.IMG_3454  Thankfully I bought those boots a size big for each of them! With only about a 1/2 inch on the ground both were dressed and out the door to play in the snow.  I hope it does keep going for a little while so there will be a little something more to play in tomorrow.IMG_3447

Now we are sitting enjoying some hot chocolate and a movie.  Sometimes it really is the little things that mean so much!IMG_3456

 

Spring in January

decisionsformyfamilyLeave a comment

The calendar says January but the temperature says May.  Yesterday in the middle of the winter we took the girls to the park and enjoyed what felt like the beginning of spring. Wearing only sweatshirts, Megan and I took a nice walk along the paths while Madison and Frank shot some baskets at the basketball court.  We met them at the courts and played a bit.  All week is supposed to be in the high 50’s or so.

537910_4140777558262_1691785278_nI am not a big follower of the global warming crowd but after no measurable snow last winter and so far none this winter, something does seem off.  (just printing that probably guarantees a blizzard)

The irony here is the fact that Frank is going away for a business meeting this week.  When the location was determined to be San Diego months ago, all on the East coast were thrilled since it would be mid January and typically cold and miserable.  Yesterday he received an e-mail warning them that CA is experiencing record cold and that many events are scheduled out doors and can not be changed.  He was instructed to bring a coat.  I know it is not nice but there is something inside of me that smiled just a little with that news. 🙂