Are we in upstate New York witnessing the death of winter?
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| Dinosaur Toy Planted with Thyme, Binghamton Farmers Market 2-6-16 |
Will winter eventually go the way of the dinosaurs?
There is still no snow on the ground. Last year, at this time, we had over 16 inches of snow cover and it seemed like the temperatures were going below zero (which, in Fahrenheit, is way below the freezing point) nearly every night.
Like this reading(-23.6 F equals -30.8C) temperature February 24 of last year at my son's house, about 20 minutes from me.
Instead, this year, we have a bountiful farmers market indoors twice a month in downtown Binghamton, New York. Farmers are still growing greens under high tunnels. There is plentiful garlic (though a bit dried out) and winter squash.
Baked goods beckon.
As do onions and potatoes.
This year, instead of us, other parts of the United States are feeling the harsh lash of winter. In fact, Charleston, South Carolina, my beloved Charleston so green, may get snow this evening.
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| Sailboats in Charleston Harbor, March 2015 |
Not having a true upstate New York winter is not cause for celebration. The cold temperatures prevent us from being overrun with harmful insects. Snowfall helps cleanse the air. People with allergies have been having trouble this winter. The snow protects the roots of perennials.
But it is sure nice not to have to worry about slipping on ice, or shoveling snow.
How has the season treated you?
Ah, the joys of an El Nino year. We actually have had cold, which we didn't really the past two years. Well, cold for us... We're still waiting on the promised extra rain. We've had some, but not that much.
ReplyDeleteI hear weather is going to warm up also in North Idaho. I'll be checking to see if any crocus are popping up below my front window.
ReplyDeleteI saw a place in town spring bulbs are making a showing.
Coffee is on
Wow! Pretty much the same here in Cleveland!! We had a 60 degree day last week. As much as I miss winter (pretty snow and curling up on the couch with hot coco), I started working in at a horse farm in the summer and I'm not sure how I would manage in the barn if it was below zero!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I see it isn't just here in India then. With each passing year, we have just been exclaiming that winters are getting shorter (and hotter), making air conditioners a neCessity instead of a luxury.
ReplyDeleteThis does not bode well, does it?
In between my coughing spells, I was out running errands yesterday and thought that if this is global warming, bring it on. Temps in the 40's, no snow, sunshine. Whoopee. OTOH, my mold allergies are really doing a number on me. And the moles in my yard are still at ground level tearing up the turf. Guess there are winners and losers in everything and I am not sure what side I am on this 'winter'.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteYou can have my share of the snow. We are expecting blizzard-like conditions on Long Island tomorrow
ReplyDelete