This is my fifth winter in Calgary. For whatever reason, it has been, by far, the longest and coldest. And I don't need statistics from Environment Canada to back me up on this. If you're a Cowtown resident, I'm sure you'll agree. This winter has sucked more than most in recent memory.
Now let me put this in context a bit. I'm not a winter whiner by nature. I actually like this time of year. It's not like I could've survived twenty winters in Alaska if I were thin-skinned between the autumnal and vernal equinoxes. But for some reason, I find myself craving spring far more than usual this time around the calendar.
And although I may be projecting a bit, I seem to notice other people I encounter harbouring a similar grudge against Old Man Winter this year. The stooped shoulders and mummy-like wrappings of scarves and toques displayed by my fellow downtown pedestrians as a brace against the weight of the frigid sky are a tangible sign of our shared loathing of this continued assault on the senses.
I do take heart at the longer days, though. As I plodded home recently I noticed it wasn't dark as I rounded the last corner on the street where I live. I also heard the other day some lively chickadees chirping in a hedge, which gave me pause to consider warmer, sunnier days ahead. I'm not so arrogant an optimist to think we'll all be sipping cocktails on the patio anytime soon, but maybe, just maybe, the worst is behind us.
So if you're struggling a bit with the winter that seemingly won't end, take heart in the fact that March begins in a few days. And the beginning of spring (technically, at least) is only a few short weeks off. And while I don't recommend a trip to the corner store in Bermuda shorts and flip-flops just yet, go ahead and shake your fist at a snowbank or leafless deciduous, as if to say "I've got your number winter - and it's almost up!"
Take care and keep the faith. Spring is indeed not far off...
