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.