In which we enjoy the spring of deception

It used to be silent outside, except for the sounds of vehicles passing by. Now, when I open my windows, I hear geese honking on the lake. When I walk through the park, there’s a multitude of birds singing and flitting from tree to tree. The sky is clear, blue, and there’s hardly a cloud to be seen. The ground is wet from melting snow, muddy in patches where the water has been unable to drain. More and more people appear around the lake, walking, running, riding bicycles. It truly feels like spring. And with March just around the corner, one could be convinced that winter has released it’s bitterly cold grip.

Alas, we live in the Midwest, and this lovely warm weather shall pass. I mentioned it in my previous post, but this delicious spring-like weather is only here as a brief respite from the bitter cold of winter. In probably a week or two, the temperatures will plummet, the wind will bite our skin, and all but the hardiest and most committed outdoors-people will shelter in their cozy little homes to wait for the return of actual spring.

I would like to say that I have taken full advantage of this delightful weather, but it hasn’t been the case. In fact, on our first particularly warm day, I just couldn’t organize myself to get outside. It became a real source of frustration. Either I was distracted, busy doing chores, or failing to wrestle my toddler into appropriate clothing. By the end of the day, I was fuming.

I had missed the entire, glorious, warm, sunny day. Because of my present living situation, I couldn’t simply just go out back and walk around my yard, and I couldn’t just pop out for a minute by myself. I must take Little Lion with me, or I can’t go at all. I really felt trapped. Finally, Honey Badger came home, ascertained the situation, and took us all outside. It was nice to finally get out and breathe some fresh air and stretch my legs, but sadly, it was after sunset.

It was much easier to get out and go places when Little Lion was younger. Now he’s fast, strong, and clever. Adding in my general aptitude for distraction (hello Instagram), it’s a lethal combination when it comes to doing outside activities. But we’re trying!

There’s a sweet spot in which everything works out, and that is specifically after breakfast. If we don’t get outside after breakfast, we likely won’t. I have been trying to shift when I prepare dinner to earlier in the day, which leaves the early evening open for more activities, but it is definitely hit or miss. I won’t lie though, I really enjoy when we go on a walk together, all three of us. They’re usually short walks, but it’s nice to be together as a family and to share one of my favourite activities with the two people I love the most in this world.

What about you? Does it warm up this time of the year where you live, or does the weather generally stay the same for the whole season? I’d love to hear about it!

I’ll chat with you again soon. In the meantime, stay warm, and find a good activity to do with the ones you love!

Sierra