Thoughts on the end of winter, the meaning of spring, and worries.
I have lived in Nelson, at the same apartment, for 25 years, arriving in 1987. My memory of winters is clear. No question, they are getting shorter — the snowfall starts later and amounts to much less, the cold weather is less severe and less frequent, and is over by February. I have perceived it by paying attention to my own yard and walkways, the amount of shoveling I do to dig my car out of snow — this year, never — and the ease of driving uphill to home.
One other aspect of this new climate is a change in what spring means. It is going to be very attenuated, quite long and drawn-out, in the new reality. Neither cold nor warm, between 5 and 14 degrees C for months. May and June will not see bursts of sun and green leaves, they will witness more grey skies and we’ll feel frustrated by the lack of truly warm days, and nights that stay chilly. It’s a climate I’ve experienced in Ireland, an island quite far north compared to here but moderated by surrounding ocean and by the Gulf Stream. Grey skies and moist air are the reason it’s called the Emerald Isle.
Should we worry? There are things you can change, things you can’t, yes? Be wise enough to know the difference and strong when you have to make new efforts. We will face some challenges from our new climate, but we can help each other through it. There are other places where people are going to feel worse effects. Count your blessings.
Charles Jeanes
Nelson