One of the things I dislike about living in the arid midwest, is the deceptive sunlight streaming through my windows. It is bright and sunny and deliciously warm when I am sitting in front of the window, but when I step outside I feel a cold blast of air hit my face. The shocking cold of temperatures that still haven’t made it out of 20℉, combined with sustained winds of over 25 MPH, feels like an insult to my body. Next week is expected to be “bitter” cold for a few days – with daytime temperatures barely rising above 0℉. This is probably normal for those living in Alaska and other areas in the far north, but it is next to intolerable for many of us.
The weariness and dreariness of winter will maintain its grip here for another 3 months. I have lost track of how many times it has snowed since mid-October; but March is usually the snowiest month in this part of the country. Of course, the water is needed so I don’t complain too much, but I am a passionate gardener who feels like a prisoner when I cannot be gardening. The only way for a gardener to survive in a place like this, is to have a greenhouse. Alternatively, I could move to Hawaii, if there were not so many other things to consider – like being near family and having an infinite supply of money. It would be easier to be a migratory bird so that I could simply lift off and fly away to a warmer climate.
It is not actually the snow that I mind. It is quite lovely when it is freshly fallen, twinkling like billions of diamonds in the moonlight. It is the tedious and strenuous shoveling that causes my fingers to freeze. It is the layers upon layers of clothing that I have to wear to stay warm, to the point where I can barely move. It is not being able to open my windows for some fresh air. Mostly though, it is the deprivation I feel at not being able to garden. I strive to make the best of the situation. I can take advice from an expression I heard recently: “Suck it up, Buttercup!” I will sit in front of a sunny window whenever possible, as deceptive as it may be. I will accept this interminably long winter and if I am lucky, perhaps spring will arrive a little early this year.
