Spring has Sprung!

Olbrich Gardens, Ornamental Cherry trees, photo by John Savino

We had the hot, summer weather. Then it dropped to 40 one day, and we were reminded it is only March. We had a week of high 50's and low 60's. Overnight the grass greened up. On March 28, I caught the first scent of Freshly Mowed Grass, mixed with gasoline from the mower engine. Walking to work, a woman was mowing her lawn!! A few blocks later, there was a man mowing. Wisconsin. March 28. Mowing the Lawn. This is NOT normal, folks. Good, but not normal.

Along with the grass greening up, all the "mock" trees burst into bloom. This is several weeks sooner than I've ever seen it. Once the blooming occurred, it's become cooler. Which is great, as it may make it last a bit longer. Unfortunately, the cooler weather has also included several days of grey, uninteresting skies. I miss the sunshine. Not to worry. The sun will be back Sunday, which I have off. And Monday, which I also have off, will see a return of the heat! So, I'll be walking around drinking in all the Beauty that is Blooming this Spring. Life is Good.

Spring Equinox

Spring has Sprung. Today I was out walking around our neighborhood on the first official day of Spring. It was 81 degrees, but felt wonderful. In the park, at least 40% of the trees have started the blooming process that will result in leaves soon. Many bushes have leaves and blossoms popping out. Soon we won't be able to see into people's yards, because the hedges will have filled in.

The Forsythia is in full blooming color, which is usually the first thing that blooms each Spring. The ground is covered by a variety of blue and purple flowers. They are very small, and I couldn't identify them, but they are beautiful. All this green coming up, accented with color. This is the best Spring I can remember. Mostly that is because it is happening so early. I am Not complaining! Too Happy.

We finished the day sitting in the reclining chairs on the lawn, watching the summer-like clouds float by. Looking at the forecast, this weather is staying for at least 10 more days (as far as I can get the forecast). The temperatures will flocculate, but not drop below the mid 60's during the day. YES!!

bizarre weather

March 8-11 the weather improved every day. We went from the low 60's to the low 70's. It went from being cold at night to merely chilly. The temperatures are traditionally in the low to mid 40's this time of year. And those temps are during the Day! By March 14, we were having summer like weather. Suddenly the parks were full of people biking and skating and running. People were playing soccer and basketball in shorts!!

I walked to work with no jacket whatsoever, and walked home at 11pm in a short sleeve t-shirt and flip flops! The high during the days was the mid to high 70's! and at night it was in the 60's until after midnight! This is weather I could get used to. But I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Meanwhile, the daffodils are blooming!

Whether the Weather

We had another storm that covered the trees with snow. It was beautiful. Next day it rained, which melted most of the snow. I was walking to work on cold, but sunny, days. I'd arrive with a cold face, but it was invigorating! Then, in a matter of a couple of days, the temperature went from the mid 30's to the high 40's. By March 7, we were in the 60's! I'm not complaining. I love that things have warmed up, but it does seem a bit weird. Suddenly I had to start looking for lighter clothes. I'm only wearing a jacket to work, not a coat! Wonder if it will last? Probably not. We'll most likely get a blizzard and 20" of snow.