Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: It's almost as if Frosty is slowly dying, and I'm helpless to ......

I've always maintained that among the best reasons for living in the Northeast, is the changing of the seasons. Here, one can actually appreciate what makes each one of them so unique. I cherish and welcome all four of them with open arms. While I'm not particularly fond of cold weather, I admit to getting blown away by the mere sight and awesomeness of a fresh winter snowstorm before it's been touched by a shovel or trampled upon. Burl Ives postcards come to mind every time.

We were right up there with Boston this winter.....

Truthfully, I can't remember ever having snapped so many pictures of wintry scenes, as I have this winter.

Yesterday, when the temperatures shot up into the high 30's, when the hot sun shone all day, when the snow and ice peaks began their melting process, I must admit that I was feeling somewhat sentimental, if you may, at the thought of all the white stuff melting away. Yesterday, I even saw tufts of fragile grass, peeping from underneath all the snow. To me, it was as if poor Frosty was slowly dying all over again, and I was helpless to save him.

That sky can only mean one thing: snowstorm approaching!

A couple of months ago, when Frozen was playing in practically every theater in the country, I never thought we'd actually be casted in the highly-popular animated movie.

Feelings of sadness and even despair crept up on me, as I looked around and witnessed nature at work. But why should I feel sad to see all those mountains of snow gone? I was totally caught off guard with those feelings. Here were signs of new life finally emerging after quite possibly the harshest, most brutal winter in decades—the coldest February on record since sometime in the 1930's—0 degrees, as compared to a record low 5 degrees in 1936.

View from my bedroom window.....

Am I anticipating regretting having to bid farewell to the snow? Or, is it bidding farewell to the long lazy hours spent inside our warm home, reading a good book as I sit on the sofa by a blazing fireplace? that I'm regretting? The long evenings on my laptop under the warm covers in bed. Or baking or whipping up a delicious meal in the kitchen? Am I really ready for the sound of lawn mowers instead of snowblowers. To trade the bitter cold days and nights for brighter warmer days. Better still, am I ready to discard the comfy yoga pants and toussled hair for more fashionable attire and sleeker looks.

I'm feeling naked already!

Water mill on Paramus Road and Route 4.....

Whatever the reason(s), I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but I will MISS winter! I am actually going through withdrawal pains. Does anyone feel my pain, understand why I'm feeling this way; or, am I the only abnormal person here? Was I so exposed to winter this year and consequently so used to it, that I am dreading having to part with it?!

Washington Park, Hoboken. Photo courtesy: Mildred Santiago

Wow! Who knew that living in 'Alaska' would change my whole outlook on life!

This winter I learned a very valuable lesson—out of every situation, be it good or bad, something good is bound to come out of it, if we remain hopeful. I learned that no matter the direness of a situation, if we look for the positives, we can live through it, we can become stronger in the process, and we can ultimately even rejoice and possibly enjoy very second of it.

Comments are welcomed below.