“And for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of that country know them to be sharp and violent, and subject to cruel and fierce storms . . .”
Slush covers the streets and sidewalks. It’s a dreary, cold day, but I have a smile. Yup, the shoots of the daffodils are up in my garden and so are shoots from the bulbs I planted last year. I don’t what bulb went where or how many were left after the squirrels dined, but bulbs are definitely appearing all over my garden. That smile stayed while reading the paper. The Red Sox equipment trucks left Boston today for Florida. Spring training is getting close. Did you notice that adjective? I said spring.
We New Englanders chose to live here and take pride in being hearty folk, especially during the winter. We chuckle a bit when folks living in the warmer states complain about the cold when the weather is in the 50’s, balmy for us this time of year. Well, I admit it. I have a winter complaint, but it isn’t about the cold. I am getting sick and tired of snow, sleet, rain and slush. Every step I take outside is done gingerly as ice is everywhere. My feet are constantly wet. Why don’t I wear boots? I have no answer to that except to say I haven’t worn boots in years. I don’t even know anyone who does except little kids. My plow guy wears sneakers when he shovels my walk. Right now it’s raining and later that rain will turn to ice when the temperature drops tonight. Tomorrow it will all melt, but tomorrow night it will freeze again. I feel like a hamster on a wheel.
I have some must do errands today so Gracie and I will be off as soon as I finish here. I’ll wear a sweatshirt, as it is 37°, well above freezing, and I’ll wear shoes and skirt whatever puddles I can (I bet you thought for a moment there I was going to wear a skirt ).
It’s not going to rain or snow for the next three days, but the high will only be 32°, the low 15°. It is, after all, winter in New England.
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keepthecoffeecoming.blog 
February 8, 2011 at 1:31 pm
No bulbs in sight here and I guess they won´t show for yet a month or so. I woke up to rain and went to work in a short lived blizzard. But it was cold enough for most of the snow to stay.
Like You I can take the cold, but I just don´t want any snow! If it´s only cold most ticks dies and slugs too. Not to forget that many fly larvae’s goes the same way 🙂 :-)Now the snow only protects them all winter long.
Well You sort of know me and I wear rubber boots a big part of the year 🙂 The best thing they have ever invented 🙂
Have a great day now!
Christer.
February 8, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Christer,
If I did the walking you do and where you do it, I’d wear boots too, but I mostly go from car to house to car.
You can always dress warmly when it’s cold, but there is nothing you can do about the darn snow.
February 8, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Dear KTCC …won’t be active for a while, have a very badly broken leg. See you soon
February 8, 2011 at 5:06 pm
Will it be broken better next time?
Cheers
February 8, 2011 at 7:26 pm
I’m so sorry, my dear Hedley. I hope you heal quickly and with very little pain.
I will miss you!!
February 9, 2011 at 12:02 pm
I hope You will mend well and fast!
Christer.
February 8, 2011 at 5:05 pm
But when it does get cold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uymETvDdjuU
Cheers
February 8, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Minicapt,
It is really pretty but there is far too much snow for me. I’m happy here just looking at the pictures.
February 8, 2011 at 6:55 pm
It’s the people who can’t afford to sneak away for the winter to Florida that jest about our crying for warmth at 50 degrees. The ones who can afford a winter home here don’t say squat. They are neither paying someone to plow their drive; keeping the heating bills high as a kite; can go where they please anytime down here, wear the same shorts you wore yesterday. And for a few bucks you can spend a week at the parks and have many thrills and moments to bring home, especially Sea World. So it’s the shut ins that swear they are hardened New Englanders, the people with money up there think those people are crazy. I get this rap every winter and had to listen to it again last night when a Dad called his daughter in Maine to tell her he played two rounds of Golf that afternoon. Rub it in Charlie.
February 8, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Z&Me,
It was just a tease. I’m sorry if I offended you.
February 8, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Z&Me,
Con’t
I really don’t want to move south, even for the winter. I like living here, despite the cold. We make jokes ourselves about it, and that was all I was doing.
February 10, 2011 at 6:21 am
On Monday I saw snowdrops and cats-tails on the berches in the wood on my walk.
In the start of winter I push it back as far as I can, until frost, snow and sleet cover me. But from the first signs of spring I pull it to me and see signs everywhere. It helps that this whole week has been up to 50 and no sign of winter. Good times are a coming.
February 10, 2011 at 11:19 am
Bert,
Seeing those shoots gave me such hope that better and warmer days are coming. Even my dog, who loves outside, stays inside and sleeps on an afghan. I have lots to do today, and I dread going out.