It was good while it lasted!

January 2012 started out so nice and mild. We experienced a run of warm , sunny days — reaching as high as 52 degrees one day. Folks left their big, heavy, winter coats in the closet and sported a sweater or light jacket. And the most amazing occurrence to me was the report that golf courses in the twin cities were booked solid. Absolutely incredible.

Not everyone was happy about this: skiers, snow mobilers, ice fishermen, ice skaters, those who make a living plowing snow. But me, I loved it! As a matter of fact, I have worn my winter boots one day this season. One day! To date, we've had 5.5" of snow. That's all. Last year, we had over 45" before Christmas.

It all came to an end yesterday. Temperatures dropped all day long. Snow was in the air for a little while in the morning, but changed over to a light rain later on. Today the winds have been fierce, and when I went out at lunchtime, the temperature was 12 degrees. I guess winter will be shorter than usual this year, and that's alright with me.