The Number One Reason I am Yearning for Spring
When I woke up this morning, it was minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit - the local weatherperson said that it felt like -12 with the wind chill. I don’t care what the wind chill factor is - once the air temperature is in the negative range, it’s just plain cold. Brrr!
Last fall, the cold set in earlier than usual, and this winter has been the coldest we’ve experienced in the past decade. This prolonged cold spell has my fiancé and I seriously considering relocation to a warmer part of the country (Austin, maybe?).
Barring a move, I am really looking forward to spring. It’s not the weather that has me longing for April’s spring breezes (ok, the weather is a fundamental part of it), the real reason I am anxious for spring is that it’s the season that marks the beginning of our local farmers’ market.
The weekly farmers’ market in my city is truly wonderful - some say it’s the best this country has to offer. Interwoven among the local product vendors and food stands are artisans selling everything from jewelry to sculptures made of “reclaimed” tractor parts. There are musicians and flowers and artisan cheeses (mmm, fresh goat cheese) - and the people watching rivals that of any state fair.
There is so much that I love about the farmers’ market, but the reason I make the pilgrimage downtown every week is that I like to support local farmers and growers (see last week’s post about The Omnivore’s Dilemma). I like knowing where my food comes from and what (if any) treatments have been used to grow it.
For those of you who live in parts of the world where there are significant seasonal variations, what are you most looking forward to this spring?
Stumble it!
January 31st, 2008 at 11:54 am
It was minus 2F here as well - we must be neighbors
Seriously, though, if it wasn’t for my family I would have moved south years ago.
I should make a serious effort to get to my farmer’s market this summer. My husband’s house (which is now mine, too) is right in town and walking to the farmer’s market would be awesome exercise for a Saturday morning.
Speaking of which, being able to walk and do stuff outdoors is what I’m looking forward to! Melt, snow, melt!
January 31st, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Cold here as well…I guess Global Warming only happens in the summer
January 31st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I am looking forward to getting home from work before it is dark outside. Actually being exposed to sunlight does wonders for my mental health.
January 31st, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Greg, have you considered one of those sun lamps for depressed people. My MIL gave us one and it can be really helpful.
I also miss the farmer’s market.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:12 pm
A worthwhile option to Farmer’s Market fans and one where you can save money is CSAs - Community Supported Agriculture farms.
Here in my Midwest city - which happens to sound a lot like your Midwest city - CSAs are around and I recently found out that my health insurance will reimburse me $50 if I sign up for a CSA. My boyfriend can get reimbursed $100 for a CSA. So he and I are signing up for an Every Other Week option (we get a delivery of farm-fresh, organic veggies, fruits, herbs, etc.) for $315 from June-October, but we’ll get $150 of it reimbursed to us for being healthy. We figure we’ll eat better, try out new foods and save money.
Just something to think about … and it supports your local economy.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Flip: I am actually on a waiting list for two different CSAs this year!
I am planning on writing more about CSAs as produce begin to come into season. I think that they are a WONDERFUL idea and am looking forward to participating in at least one.
Excellent suggestion!
February 1st, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I volunteer at a CSA (well, it’s more like a work exchange, since I get a share every time I put in a day), so I’ll throw in my thumbs-up for them.
When the peppers and tomatoes come into season… my house smells like a dream.
February 2nd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I just thought it was great that my health insurance will reimburse me like they would do for a gym membership and what not.
It was the tipping point to my deciding to finally sign up for one. It also helps that my boyfriend and I play sports with the son of one of the farms, so we’re also helping out a local family we have ties too.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
No significant seasonal variations here…I live in Texas and I love it! If you’re thinking of moving to Austin, you should definitely do it. It’s SUCH a great town and I plan to live there again someday…
February 4th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I’m really looking forward to the days being longer. I can’t stand it being dark when I go into work and when I leave.