As usual, the Oklahoma weather cannot make up its mind.
For a few days in a row, it will be beautiful skies, sunny and warm, heading to hot. Then it does a complete about face, turning to gray skies, cold and windy, even kicking in a little snow now and then.
That doesn’t do a lot to improve people’s state of mind. Or state of health, either. Like most everyone else, my eyes and nose are running non-stop as the blooms and pollen fill the air.
There is also the continual arrest of outdoor projects to deal with. The start and stop nature of the weather means a project that could be expected to take a week now takes three weeks, what with dodging rain, high winds or snow flurries. Strong winds could be anticipated, but they still make it nearly impossible to hang siding on a building or sheet metal on a roof. An eight-foot length of tin, a high wind and a person on the roof or ladder can add up to a free trip to Kansas or the emergency room, wherever you land first.
But mostly, this time of year is difficult because we must wait for what we want. Good weather isn’t going to appear because we wished it to be so. Waiting is hard. It isn’t human nature to persevere and hold tight until the change comes. And change isn’t something we can force.
What happens if we do try to force things? When we plant too early? When we break out the bathing suits and uncover the pool?
Well, it usually doesn’t have a good outcome. The seeds don’t germinate, you get wet and cold and sick.
Then, when spring does arrive fully, the seeds do sprout, usually displacing the seeds that were sown directly on top of the ones that didn’t come up because we planted too early. Our impatience just creates a big, fat mess.
So while we chew our nails, wishing for green grass, clear blue skies and warmer weather, try to take advantage of the last few nasty days.
Enjoy heating up the house with the oven as you bake comfort food or sweet goodies. Snuggle under the covers for a minute longer. Have one last fire in the fireplace. Wear the sweater that is so heavy it is only suitable for the coldest, nastiest weather we get.
And notice the promise of coming spring. The tree buds. The wild plants sprouting. The daffodils growing taller each day, cold or not. It will be here soon enough.
Just hold on a little while longer.