Here in northern Illinois, when there’s a great burst of warm weather late in the fall, we call it Indian Summer. But what do you call what we had last weekend?
Over 60 degrees on February 20 – windows open, people outside in shirtsleeves and shorts, washing their cars and playing in the yard. I put on a light sweater and sandals for our literal dinner out — we dined al fresco! There may be no official term for this blast of warm weather mid-winter, but it was glorious!
So that got me thinking… which is better? To throw aside the outerwear in late October for one last fling of fun in the sun, or to get a reprieve from the cold, gray winter for a few days to help us get through until Spring arrives for real?
Some would say that Indian Summer is just cruel, giving false hope that the coming winter won’t arrive, when we all know it will. They don’t appreciate the winter heat wave either, knowing that the end isn’t as near as the odd weather would lead us to believe. I suspect it’s kind of grey all year ’round for those folks, regardless of the weather. Sad.
I believe most people relish the gifts of these days, and do their best to enjoy them. Personally, if I can leave the socks at home and go outside without worrying about bugs, I’m all for it no matter what the calendar says.
Something to think about Wednesday when we’re shoveling snow.
Agree, Laurie. It’s a gift; enjoy!