Where, Oh Where is Spring?

I feel gypped. Every year at this time, I look forward to the January thaw. We usually get a week of fairly mild weather, with temperatures reaching into the 40's for several days in a row. This year? We got a couple of so-so days with overcast skies, rain, wind and temps in the high 30's. I think there were two whole days where the temperatures managed to climb into the 40's, but there was no sun. Only dreary, gray skies and what? Rain.

Today, we're back to typical Wisconsin weather, where the temps struggle to climb to 20º and again, no sun. I'm really longing for spring. I need sunshine. I need warmth. I NEED to get outside and play!

This spring I'm thinking of starting a greenhouse. Nothing big, mind you, but something I can grow some plants in and give me a reason to be outside. I've been looking at some greenhouse kits and it looks totally doable. When I mentioned to Mike my plan, he just rolled his eyes. I'm not sure what the meant, but roll your eyes all you want, mister, I shall have that greenhouse! Keep rolling those eyes and there will be a sign on the door that says, "NO BOYS ALLOWED!"

Frost

What month is this, and how far are we into it?

This morning, we woke up to frost. Frost covering everything, making it look like snow on the rooftops. Tulips blooming in the flowerbeds, and frost covering the yard. Unbelievable.

I read another blog today where the author wrote about snow falling outside her window today. What is up with that?

One day I'm out in the garden, planting flowers and pulling weeds. The next, I'm in the house because it's too cold and windy to even think about going out. I thought it was Spring going on Summer?

The weatherman just told me that tonight's low will be in the 30's again. I wonder how many nights of near-freezing temperatures my flowers can take?

Spring?

Today is April 28th, and believe it or not, it is snowing! Snowing, I tell you! The ground is covered, and it's still poking it down! It's only 31º, and downright cold!

What happened to Spring? My daffodils and tulips say it's Spring, but I don't believe them. They are out there shivering on their stems, covered in a layer of snow, trying to brave the cold.

Timothy actually got his winter coat out of the closet this morning to wear to school. I couldn't convince the other two to wear theirs, though. I bet they're cold. Right now, they are probably thinking that I was right, although I'm sure they'll never admit it.

I Think Mother Nature Is Confused

Yesterday, we had a temperature of 72º, with thunderstorms and tornadoes. Today, we hit a whopping 45º, and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Tomorrow, a high in the lower 40's, with a chance for snow showers.

Isn't it almost the end of April?

We had such a long, cold winter, and it just doesn't want to let go. I'm so tired of this cold weather. I got out a week or so ago to start working in my garden, but haven't been able to get out since. It's either raining or too cold.

I just want a few days in a row where I can get my yard work done. I love working in my garden, and it needs help. Next week isn't looking any better. Highs are only supposed to be in the lower 50's, with rain most of the week, which means in addition to not being able to get outside, my basement will continue to be wet, with little rivers running across it.

Oh where, oh where is the warm weather?

Spring Has Sprung!

I do so love Spring! Seeing my flowers pop out of the ground and bloom into bright, colorful displays. Watching the birds build their nests in preparation for the birth of their babies. It all gives me a feeling of renewal.

I have a huge lilac bush right outside my kitchen window, and last year a momma robin decided to make her home in it. I got to watch as she made her nest, carefully placing pieces of dried grass and twigs together to make a comfortable place for her babies to grow. She ended up laying three eggs, although only two survived. It was fun watching as she took care of those little fuzzy creatures. Every time she came back to the nest from her hunt for food, two little beaks would pop up from the nest, wide open and ready. They chirped constantly when she was away, but when she sat on the nest, they were quiet.

I didn't take the nest down last year when the babies finally left the nest. I didn't want to take their home away, just in case. After a while I forgot all about it.

Just yesterday, while standing at the sink doing dishes, I noticed another momma robin in the nest. She is as fat as she could be without bursting, sure to be laying her eggs soon. She was diligently arranging the nest I left from last year, flying away every few minutes and coming back with more material for her home.

Is it the same momma bird from last year? Do they come back to the same nest to lay their eggs again? I don't know, but I'm looking forward to watching the new life she brings forth in that nest again this year.

Will It Ever End?

Of course, I'm talking about winter. I can't remember the last time we had a winter like this. I know Wisconsin in known for it's winters, but seriously, we haven't had a winter with this much snow and cold temperatures in years! The county department is even suffering. They base their budgets for plows, salt, and whatnot on previous years' weather. Because of this, they've run out of resources for this year. They aren't salting the roads anymore, except for the intersections, and instead of plowing throughout the duration of a storm, they wait until the snow stops before they come out to plow. All of this makes for some really slick roadways around here.

The kids are even having a hard time. I'm finding it harder and harder to get them up for school in the mornings. It's hard to get motivated when you know it's freezing outside and you can't get out in the sunshine.

We have a local greenhouse here that posts a sign in the front of their shop that counts down the days to spring. That's when they open, also. Every time we pass that sign, I swear the number goes up instead of going down!

Supposedly, the groundhog didn't see his shadow this year, meaning spring is just around the corner. For goodness sakes, I hope he's right!