"In My Opinion . . ."
Feb. 13, 2000
Growing up, Fall was my favorite time of year. I lived in Illinois where the air filled with the sweet smell of burning leaves and the trees wore scarlet and gold. I moved to Washington almost 30 years ago, and to this day I have not seen again a Fall like those of my youth. There is no season in the Northwest which really stands out as a favorite for me, but certain months hold a specail appeal, and oddly enough, February might be near the top of the list.
Crisp, clear sunshine bathes Seattle on this Sunday afternoon. The mountains stand starkly against a crystal blue sky, and early spring blossoms and flowers peek out timidly. While much of the rest of the country lies beneath snow and slush, around here it feels like Spring is starting to . . . well . . . spring!
This is not that unusual for February. Most years it is the same story. From November through January the Pacific Northwest is drenched in non-stop rain and drear. Lackluster citizens wearily trudge back and forth to work, and the air itself smells faintly of mildew. And then, suddenly, the sun begins rising during the morning commute. The drive home, too, is light, and drivers realize that they do not need to turn on their windshield wipers. Best of all, those gorgeous little crocuses, the real harbingers of Spring, appear out of nowhere, bravely risking a frosty death just to give us hope.
The shortest month of the year bursts with activity. The birthdays of two presidents, St. Valentine's Day, Black History Month, and even a mid-winter vacation all happen in February. For me it means seeing the light at the end of the tunnel: the school year is more than half over. I get my second wind and begin planning all the work which must be done before the end.
It may be true that Washington has lousy falls and atrocious winters, but the single month of February wipes them all out. All the rain and dark and dullness get washed away by the sun and mountains and blooms. TGIF: thank God its February.