False Spring

The Olympic Mountains in their winter glory.

Sometimes in the midst of a cold and dreary winter, we get a little taste of Spring.  A little warmth, some sunshine, temperatures that flirt with 60 degrees...this unseasonable late winter warmth is as delicious as strawberries in December.

Seattle in the sunshine

Of course we have months of winter left, but after feeling rather frozen and damp since October, I am always surprised by two things.  First, that I've actually forgotten what it feels like to be outside and feel warm.  And second, a week of beautiful weather in early February gives me a nasty case of Spring Fever.  Which pretty much just sets a person up for disappointment. Having Spring Fever now is simply asking to suffer for several more months.  Spring is still weeks away and Summer frequently doesn't make her appearance until July.

Pretty primroses

Still, I have found something that helps with Spring Fever--buying plants.  So, even though temperatures are still dipping into freezing at night, I am assuaging my illness by buying primroses, pansies, and hardy leafy greens.  My pots look so much happier.  And I feel just a bit better.

A row of colorful "Spring" pots