Ten on Tuesday

This week's topic is Ten Reasons You'll be Glad that Winter is Over! Hmm...should be relatively easy:

1. Primary reason is? See those Crocuses down there? (My Sweetheart hears me say "Croci" and winces, so just for him, I'll be normal...this once, but that link shows that I'm really NOT wrong!! Whoohoo!) Spring Flowers are my first reason for winter ending - it's the first sign of spring, and it's my favorite.

2. Warm weather, sorta follows that first one up there, doesn't it, because without it, we won't have the flowers. I'm ready to shed the winter coats.

3. Longer days of light - the time change hasn't happened quite yet but I can already tell the difference in the lengthening days...My Sweetie and I both have a touch of SAD and we really notice the advancing light...and glory in it.

4. Being able to take the exercise routine OUTSIDE! Walking on one of the two Greenways (either in my town or My Sweetie's), is a nice change from cycling away on the indoor bike.

5. Lace shawls! I pull them out to battle the AC in the office. And get to create them at home! I love the switch, tho' I still churn out socks and mittens/mitts - tiny projects for all year round.

6. Lower utility bills...my AC doesn't cost nearly as much as my heat!

7. Finally getting out to see people and catch up from a winter spent indoors. I tend to get to see the neighbors children and grandchildren and marvel on how big they've gotten during the months they played indoors.

8. BIRDS! Oh my, I love hearing them again. Especially my favorite cardinals.

9. Redbud is my all time favorite flowering tree, and it's usually out long before the dogwood everyone else seems to prefer.

10. This might gross some folks out, but it's my biggest reason to long for warmer weather - my finger cracks heal up and don't open again till it's time to pull out the mittens again. I suffer badly all winter long, seeking whatever remedy I can for healing, and really do get quite desperate by this time of year. I'm hopeful that I'll have found the answer for them, later this month, so I'll try to remember to let you know if it works or not. But I truly can't control my fingers. In the chill, dry air, they split open without provocation, and I've been known to bleed on whatever is nearby. NOT happy, and very painful.

BRING ON SPRING!!