As the temperature cracks 60 degrees of Fahrenheit for the first time since November, I have to comment that I'm glad that the snow is gone. Yes, I understand that the snow isn't gone for good: Chicago has seen snows as late as May, but, at least now, everything outside is brown as it should be [for January, not March], not white.

I want to go back to a world where a "Blizzard" is something you go to Dairy Queen to get.

I have had the pleasure of digging out a snow drift, shoveling the driveway, plowing through snow in the Modjeskimobile, driving on ice, and driving on a frozen road (two different experiences, let me tell you). I have seen a blizzard, and I have seen how ugly and nasty snow gets when the plows get bits of dirt and pavement with their frozen quarry. I have to think I've gotten the full on "Winter" experience that forever eluded a boy from the bayous of southwest Louisiana. (No, I'm not like Swamp People, but I am kin to some of them. I grew up in a subdivision, thank you.)

In other words, bring on March. And not the upper 40's/lower 30's March of Illinois, but the upper 60's/lower 50's March of Louisiana. I'm tired of the calendar being two months ahead of the weather.

There is a lot of anticipation about the garden this year. Not just because we're growing potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, squash, and a gamut of herbs: it's March; green would be nice to see.

On an unrelated note, as of today, Amanda is 75% and Bonnie is -1. In layman's terms, "April 14" just became "any day now". Here we go. (and I'm not talking about Bud Light).

-KIE, who will likely be a father within the fortnight