Yesterday's temperatures in Chicago reached a record-breaking 55 degrees! I thought my heart would burst for sheer relief! After hearing the news and rejoicing, but before leaving for work, I had a moment of bewilderment when I was "coating up" at the door. What do we do when it's 55? What kind of coat do we wear? Do we wear a coat at all? gloves? scarf? hat? I couldn't remember. Not having access to the outside from my apartment, it's not so easy to just walk out on the deck, stand there for a minute, and feel the air.
I opted for a suede jacket with a light scarf, though I tucked gloves and a hat into my bag just in case. As I walked to the train, breathing deeply of the warm breeze, I looked around. It seemed everyone else had the same giddy excitement coupled with amnesia. There were people with winter coats open, people with nothing but a fleece, and even a jogger who ran by with capri pants and a tank top!
Yes, we seemed to collectively sigh, spring is coming. Steps were lighter (I guess it's a given when you're not weighed down by an extra 7 lbs of winter-gear), eyes were brighter, and hearts were merry. It seemed a smile was on the corner of every lip and a measure of goodwill in each soul.
My only complaint (and it's minor) is that even once hat-weather goes, the Chicago wind stays. What I don't realize in winter is that wearing the hat keeps my hair from perpetually flying in my face. Without the hat, I'm toast. I try for a while to brush the hair away, but eventually give up and walk down the street looking like It. It's fruitless.
Unfortunately, our spring-like fever is going to be short-lived. Tomorrow the temperatures are scheduled to plunge again. Today, however, is still warmish--in the 40s, but it's raining. The question is, will the spring spirit last even when we're all soggy?
I'm about to find out.
2 comments:
same feeling here. no one quite knew what to do. It was windy here, too, but we didn't mind. We took a rather ambitious hike outside to take advantage of the day...i had to strip elinore down to her underwear before getting back in the car because she was so wet and muddy!
today in pittsburgh it is sunny and 65 with an occaisional soft light breeze. everyone is smiling and i swear i almost skipped on my way to starbucks to get an iced tea! it's an early valentine's day present with falling temperatures and thunderstorms on their way. but it is lovely! aunt candy
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