Snow, snow, snow

Two weeks ago in Vancouver there were crocuses and cherry blossoms blooming, lush vegetation everywhere, green grass, open water and the sun was shining. It was a stunning contrast to what I had left behind in Toronto - ice, cold, wind and an impending snowstorm.

In my five days away, TO hosted two major snowfalls. Since then, we've had more snow and the forecast is for snow tomorrow and Thursday. It's unbelievable how long and cold and windy and snowy this winter has been. Everyone is grumbling about it and perhaps most of all those that have escaped to sunnier climes only to return to this uncharacteristically bitter weather.

Today while sitting around my parents' kitchen table we were glancing longingly at a magazine that featured lilacs and magnolias and sandals and spring/summer clothing. Then we watched some golf on tv where it was warm and bright and we could only dream of smelling the cut grass and balmy air. Stir crazy doesn't do justice to the unrest that many are feeling, especially now that spring has officially arrived - on the calendar at least.

Though I tried to declare a moratorium on my winter boots and down coat last week (and froze in the process), it appears they are still required for a few days or weeks yet.