The background music in my head for the last few weeks has been the title of "Life in a Northern Town" by the Dream Academy - a song from my junior high years that I remember as somewhat bleak. I don't know all the words. I just sing the title and the "hey las", intended bleakness notwithstanding, and rejoice in the winter in Michigan. I love my four-season state. It is cold and snowy in January and all is right in the universe.
During the winter, when there is snow on the ground under a clear night sky, the air has an almost unearthly glow. Everything seems clean and fresh with the brisk air. The stars in the night sky are amazingly bright. We get to wear cool boots and hats, make fires, drink mulled cider or have hot cocoa. Leave soup simmering on the stove. Layer on the blankets. Enjoy water that comes out of the tap at the perfect temperature. Wear our favorite sweaters. Watch hockey.
My friends in southern states think we are crazy to live here. But I love the winter, both for itself and for the appreciation it gives me for the other three seasons. And I would take January in Michigan over Florida in August hands down, any day of the week.
It will be spring soon. The crocuses sometimes bloom in late February. Tulips and daffodils by Easter. The frogs will be calling. We will switch from wool to cotton and leave the heavy boots and mittens and hats in the closet. Winter birds will transition to summer birds at the backyard feeders. We will plan the garden and ride our bikes. The sun will warm our faces. Baseball will become my obsession as the hockey post-season ends.
But not just yet. We have a few more weeks of beautiful winter in Michigan. Watch the moon glow off the snow tonight. Spring will be here soon enough.
