Spring weather in Northeastern Ohio is pretty consistent––until this year. Snowdrops begin to peek through the snow in February followed by Daffodils in March and then in April the magnificent Magnolia tree blooms. We begin uncovering patio furniture the first of May and by the middle of the month we put out the beautiful hanging baskets we received on Mother’s Day.
But Mother Nature threw us a curve ball beginning in January when she dumped 19” of snow on us followed by weeks of record-breaking cold followed by record-breaking warm spells. Ice buildups began and water poured into the dining room. Inside, buckets were strategically placed through February and outside, the Daffodils began to sprout.
March brought days in the 70s. People were out in shorts and flip-flops and the Magnolia’s buds were ready to open. Then in April we went back into a deep-freeze which killed the buds. People who were tricked into planting early, suddenly were covering everything at night. The one thing that did grow and grow well was the grass. My first mowing of the season came three weeks early! Last week while on the John Deere, I spotted a Magnolia blossom that had managed to survive!
Mother Nature is still teasing us with Spring. We’re not predicted to get out of the 50s for another week. The good news is I haven’t been tempted away from my writing time. The June 30th deadline for getting this manuscript ready for editing is still possible.