This time of year has many pros and cons as we wait in anticipation for spring to arrive.
By the time this is published it will officially be spring, but it seems that winter gets confused at this time of year.
With temperatures warming up, it is sure to be a sloppy mess out there, and I do not miss travelling down gravel roads, or should I say muddy roads.
March is the month that we just are not sure what we will get. Will it snow or will it rain, or maybe we'll get some ice pellets and fog. It is always a surprise.
The old saying is that if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. Hopefully that holds true, as the March lion came in with a roar.
A snowstorm brought us more snow in a couple of days, than it did all winter, which brought road closures, snowstorm warnings and snowfall in abundance.
Just when we thought the snow was over, a day later we were blessed with another thick blanket of the white stuff, causing road closures once again.
The con for this time of year is one never knows whether to pack a winter jacket or spring coat, a snow shovel or an umbrella.
Do we need winter boots, rubber boots, running shoes or flipflops?
Our yard is a swimming pool right now, and at least our golden retriever is happy with the weather, as she brings in trails of paw prints and soaked dog toys.
The pro about this is it is still not mud, it is manageable and it sure is fun to watch her fly through the puddles, having a great time.
What are the pros about this time of year? There are many that I can think of.
The farmers needed the moisture, and this should bring March out like a lamb.
Every day brings us closer to garden season and this is a big pro for me.
Each day the sun is out, the temperatures are warmer and the snow melts by the inches.
Those who struggle with seasonal affective disorder will be happy to know the warmer days are just around the corner, and days are getting longer.
The farmers could be in the fields in less than six weeks and soon bedding plants will be in the stores.
Best of all, soon no more icy and snowy roads. I have come to dislike winter driving, and better driving conditions make me pretty happy.
Warmer days mean time on my horse, which is my stress release. It's something I have not done much this winter. This means trail rides, horse clinics and hanging out with friends.
The longer days bring me closer to the Cross National Cup I am entering in Moose Jaw.
I have always wanted to enter a big horse show, and this is it. I have set goals for myself, which is something good to do to encourage new things.
My nerves are through the roof, as it is out of my comfort zone, but I will push through it, because it is always good to try new things.
So many pros to look forward to with spring, if one really thinks about it, and there is always something good to find.
What does spring and summer mean to you? Camping, swimming, baseball, soccer or maybe a sail around the lake?
Maybe it is just a time for sitting on the deck, or a backyard fire; all these things are a pro for me.
Summer means drives down backroads to check out the crops and see wildlife that you otherwise might not see, or maybe a photo shot of an old historical building.
Regardless that March is a bag of mixed nuts, it is always good to see the pros of better days that lay ahead.
