Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, I wonder where the snowflakes is. I’ve been hoping our unusually mild weather is a “fool’s spring,” but the 10-day forecast doesn’t support that. It looks warm for at least another week. Yet here in Colorado, March is normally our snowiest month! (Global warming, anyone?)
So now I have to worry about what’s going on outside. Whoopee. The grass is greening up and will soon need mowing. Lawn Doctor has already been out here once. I just got a new sprinkler controller installed this week. The trees and shrubs are setting buds and getting ready to explode; I need to get those shrubs pruned before they get too far along. I’m stressing once again about whether to get the house repainted this year, or whether it will wait another year. I’ve had a conversation with the next-door neighbor about fixing the fence we share. I’ve even fired up the air conditioning a couple of times because when it hits the mid-60s outside, the temperature inside will start climbing toward the mid-70s and beyond. (And I’m wondering if now is the time to replace my 19-year-old AC system.)
These concerns don’t exist in the winter. I don’t have to think about anything outside the walls of this house. I can certainly understand why so many seniors opt for condos, apartments, patio homes or some arrangement where the outdoors is someone else’s responsibility. But I don’t think I have another move in me (I’ve moved 12 times in my adult life and this is the longest I’ve been in one place). Not to mention home prices, which have almost doubled here since I bought this house in 2008; I don’t need a new, higher mortgage payment. Most importantly — and many of you may think it silly — I have a devoted 60-pound dog that needs a yard and I’m determined she will have one for the rest of her life.
So, sure, for this week I’m enjoying open windows and the sound of chirping birds.
But make no mistake. I much prefer winter.
____________
*Okay, I exaggerated slightly. The grass is greening up, but not actively growing yet, and I’ve yet to see any flowers.
You and the dog need a yard – it’s renewing somehow to sit there. (And so many of those condos and patio communities have such high maintenance/HOA fees – which never go down and you have no control over…sigh. difficult to know what to do)
Warm already? Reminds me of a couple of years probably 20 years ago when we sweltered at Estes as we were staying in non-AC hotels – normally there was still snow on many of the trails at that time – even if not on Trail Ridge. After that we ended taking far too many clothes on vacation, but you jut never know what you’ll need ( not being prepared is always a reason to buy t-shirts…but that wasn’t always in the budget – not much choice. HaHa)
50s, 60s, even low 70s one day. They say possible snow tomorrow at the same time they say high of 45. Go figure.
I stayed in Estes one summer without AC and never made that mistake again.
over 80 yesterday and the same forever now. (getting up very early/late for cooler dog walks – just not ready for this)
Yeah that was when we splurged for a”cheap” room in the Stanley – so kids could be with the ghosts/ The Shining era…so so hot – we were glad we hadn’t planned on staying there for more than 1 night . Never again!)
80s make me tired just thinking about them. That’s definitely AC time for this house.
My bad Estes stay was a week in what appeared to be a converted motel with no AC sitting in full sun with only the sliding glass door for ventilation. No cross ventilation whatsoever. Gasp! Once I found a good place, I reserved for the next summer before I checked out.
My nose told me last week that spring had come early. Hay fever! I had to rummage through the drawers for the Allegra but finally found it!
I have the same problem. I very rarely open my windows, but after a long winter I couldn’t resist airing out the house a bit.