We’re not out of the woods yet
It seems as if almost every week I could devote this entire column’s space to the weather here in Wisconsin. It’s an old adage that the weather in this state changes more times in one day than a politician’s stance on a controversial issue.
It’s hard to fathom that just a few weeks ago this state was held victim to the frigid grasp of a polar vortex. Millions huddled in their warm homes all over the Midwest. The deep freeze was even felt in states as far south as Texas and Georgia.
I spent my fair share of time curled under my blankets in my apartment, drinking enough coffee to cause my heart to beat as fast as a tiny hummingbird’s. Unfortunately, I have no wings, so I could not fly from this state to warmer climes.
But lo and behold! It’s March now, and the weather hit almost 60 degrees on Tuesday. The day before that it was 55 degrees, and as I write this column on a Wednesday morning, we are poised for another 50 degree day.
The days are also getting longer, with the sun staying more and more with us residents of the Upper Midwest. Some days I can even leave the office and still see the glow of the sun on the horizon, reminding me that even warmer and sunnier days are ahead of us.
The snows are melting, forming muddy rivers in our parking lot, and I can hear birds chirping in the morning. All of this is a welcome sight and a welcome sound. But this being Wisconsin, I know from experience that winter is not yet done with us. I am sure there is going to be at least one more blizzard, one more snow storm that sends us outside, clutching shovels and cursing our foolishness for living here in this ice box.
It happens every year, and I expect this year to be no different. Nonetheless, I take today for what it is — a gift. The snow won’t stay for much longer, and every day above 50 is a reprieve from the cold. This year especially it is nice to see the warmth arrive and the snow melt so early.
I’d say we deserve it. We need renewal, we need the promise of better days, and I think both of those things are quickly coming. It’s hard to believe that it was a year ago that COVID-19 came to our shores, but as I detailed in this week’s paper, vaccines are being administered to people we know and love.
It’s almost unbelievable. I was fortunate to cover a fall sports season, and the winter sports season recently wrapped up. The spring season will take a bit longer, with the state making way for an alternative fall season. At the moment, track and field, baseball, softball and golf will not be competing until late April. Hopefully by then we can go about our day without having to wear a mask, or fear contracting a virus.
I very much want that. I hope that this summer we can get back to a feeling of normalcy. After putting so much on hold, I pray that we are able to have the festivals and games and activities that remind us of what a joy it is to be alive and to share in the gift of life.
It’s been a hard 12 months, but much like the snow melting and the spring taking winter’s place, we can now look to the sky with hope. And that is a good thing.
M USINGS AND G RUMBLINGS
ROSS PATTERMANN REPORTER
