The skiers, snowboarders, and snowmen makers were ecstatic this past weekend. Such a glorious late season for them. The dedicated gardeners were apoplectic. Such a frightfully cold and harshly wet change to the weather. And the Easter Bunny, with frayed ears and a stained bow from all the wind and rain, was so very grumpy with having to hide most of his eggs inside.
I will never get used to the Northwest spring and early summer seasons. Friends of mine in other regions of this country seem to have well-defined and predictable seasons. Here in the Northwest, both spring and summer challenge us to be always in a flexible state. Sunglasses and sandals one day are followed by warm gloves and raingear the next. Summer picnics (what an old-fashioned concept!) can safely be scheduled during the first three weeks in August. Woe to the dreamer who wants to have a grand barbecue blowout celebration at the beach on the Fourth of July.
It is a region of extremes. Little, thin light during the winter followed by gloriously long-lit days in the summer. So cold and chilly for months, followed by much grumbling when the temperature goes over 80 degrees for a few days. Peaceful walks along a deserted shoreline contrast with the egregious gridlock on our roads. Seattle one year was named the most livable city in America - perhaps now it should be named the most flexible. We have to be able to change our tempo on a dime.
Sunbreaks and showers, with the possibility of a thunderstorm, will be the standard forecast for the next month. Why does it annoy and surprise me every year?
On a much more positive note, last Sunday's Easter celebrations and food were a great antidote to the capricious Northwest spring. Tables laden with food, lots of smiling children with their full egg baskets, adults with their memories of the best-hunt-ever and 'most everyone high on way too much chocolate. A great rebirth indeed.
Addendum: The Easter Bunny has announced that never again will he hide the eggs inside the house the night before the celebrations. Easter Sunday was a perfectly glorious day, filled with brilliant, cold sunshine. The brief intermittent hail showers only added to the gorgeous drama of the day.[[In-content Ad]]
