I always feel somewhat exulted when we have reached the end of January, which for me has always seemed to be an interminably long month. For those fortunate enough to live in milder climates, there only remains February, the shortest month, to endure the brutal cold of winter. Most of us are familiar with the old adage that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This actually depends on where you live, so in most places it doesn’t apply. Sometimes, the early part of March is windy. Sometimes, the entire month is windy. Sometimes, the wind arrives in February, or extends into April.
As it happens, I am living in an area where it seems to be March nearly all year long. People who are from here do not seem to mind the wind. One woman even told me that after she had moved away, she missed the wind, so she moved back. I find the constant whistling, rattling, shaking, and startling gusts, unnerving. I often wonder how tiny songbirds manage to fly or even stay perched on a branch. It would seem that the hurricane force winds could blow them all the way to Nebraska. How do the few trees that have managed to survive, remain rooted in the ground? I have learned not to where a hat in these intense winds or it will blow off in a heartbeat. And, while scarves and hats might help to shield the biting cold wind from scurrying down the back of your neck, I have learned that the best solution is to wear a hoodie. Pulled up over your cap, it keeps it from blowing off while keeping your body warm. Since the wind often drops the temperature several degrees, it also aids in keeping your face and ears warm, which is otherwise nearly impossible to do.
As you may have guessed, I am not a fan of wind. I have learned; however, to accept whatever circumstance that I am in. At this time, I cannot change it so I will let my resistance blow away along with the wind. As long as I have birds to feed and trees around me and a place to grow flowers, I am content. I know that from years of experience, spring will come (even in this place where March lasts for at least nine months). I can hardly wait!
