Happy Leap Day!

It comes around every 4 years and makes Spring that much further away. But, we know that it's on the way because we listened to a Cubs game yesterday! Yes, it was live, not a recording from last season. Spring training games are great, because anything is possible. All the Cubs players will stay healthy, Ron Santo will travel to New York for playoff games, the Cubs will win the World Series, and the 100-year-old curse will finally be lifted! Wrigley Field will stay Wrigley Field. There will be no construction on the road I'm travelling, and yet there are no potholes. And last night's 2 inches will be the last snow of the season! I'm dreaming big!

A Hint of Things to Come

The weather yesterday was incredible! The record-setting warmth was irresistible, so Golly and I went for a walk. We just wandered around the neighborhood, seeing how many crocuses are coming up, and how many houses are being renovated. The landscapers are starting to power up the mowers, and the kids are truly enjoying their spring break. We saw some new construction, and some holes in the ground, waiting for the contractors to start. It was a fun half-mile and Golly enjoyed every step! When we got home, though, Golly laid down on the nice cool floor.

Back in the Deep Freeze

Man, it's cold out there! I know it's still winter, and it's supposed to be cold and snowy, but this is ridiculous. The "normal" temperature for this time of year is supposed to be the mid-30's (fahrenheit). According to the little weather.com desktop icon on my screen it's 17 degrees right now, 3:30 pm. I don't think it's going into the 20s like they said. Poor dogs. It's bad enough for us. I have three or four layers on (I lose count) and put on another layer plus boots, gloves and hat when I venture outside. I think we've mentioned before that the dogs don't like getting dressed. But it's too cold for them not to wear their coats, so we torture them by putting coats on and then throw them out into the cold!

And since the snow the other day there are limited open spaces in the back yard. (I'm sure you know for what purpose.) We did clear spots, and the wind drifted the snow away from other spots, but the dogs look at us accusingly when they can't go in their favored spots. (It goes without saying that the drifts were on the front walk, the back walk, in front of the garage door... Areas that had to be shoveled, of course.)

Only a few more weeks until Spring officially begins! And Spring Training is beginning! A sure sign that winter's almost over.