This is the time of year I like to play a little game. I call it "Fake Out Mother Nature."
Every single year, she pretends we have left winter behind and moved on to spring when in fact she is lying in wait to pounce again with snow and wind.
Don’t let that bright sunshine lull you into a false sense of security. According to Google, Barrie’s last snowstorm of the year usually comes in April. Ha!
It also states: “Barrie is normally free of snow every year from June to September.”
Has anyone noticed there is a new normal out there? I will not be tricked again.
That’s why if I step outside my front door, I can trip over my jumbo jar of sidewalk salt and/or shovel, which I dare not put away. I can just as easily topple over an urn of spring flowers.
While some like to be multi-taskers, I prefer being a multi-seasoner. A little Easter mixed with Christmas garland never hurt anyone.
There is a method to my madness. It’s a universal truth that if you put your shovel away in April, there will be an intense May snowstorm. Bet on it! Barrie has had a few of those over the years.
Same goes for winter boots and coats. Never ever put those away too early. Keep them within reach. Perhaps this is how the traditional Canadian fashion trend of socks with sandals, shorts with a ski jacket and toque with sunglasses originated.
Also, ever make the mistake of switching your tires over too soon? Been there, done that.
The problem with my plan to fake out Mother Nature by making her think I am not anticipating spring is that I am.
Spring fever has hit in the best possible ways. There’s a freshness to the air. I have flung open the windows as if doing a Febreze commercial. The cool breeze almost makes me feel like making my bed. I said almost!
The birds are singing even earlier than usual. I do wish they could hold off from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., but at least they are singing.
I have been so excited for warmer weather, I was even happy to see my first fly of the season!
That joy lasted a full 10 minutes before it realized it was in that dozy, half asleep state with extra buzzing, close to my face, which required me to squish him.
It's hard to not welcome spring with its feeling of rebirth and renewal. The season even encourages me to do some cleaning inside and out. Lists are made. Paint is ordered. Measurements are done. Cleansers are purchased. Plans are made to have everything smell lemony fresh.
The joy of all that lasts almost as long as my love of flies.
Even the thought of spring brings back memories of bike riding, rope skipping, chalk drawings, and young love. Even if most of that is no longer applicable, the memories seem fresh.
Colours are more vibrant. Time to ditch the grey and the beige and break out the pink and purple.
With all the anticipation of this new season, my hope of fooling Mother Nature so she doesn’t snow on my parade seems hopeless. She is always in control.
She’s a sneaky one, but I have my snow brush at the ready.
