Three Kinds of Winter
We’ve discovered something interesting about winter in the foothills of the Himalayas: There are actually three kinds of winter. Like Goldilocks in the house of the three bears, I am meeting Father Winter, Mother Winter, and Baby Winter. Father Winter starts on December 21 and lasts for 40 days, ending on January 31; these are the days of freezing temperatures and snow. 
Mother Winter takes over for the next 20 days; during this period, snow may fall, but it will soon melt. Then Baby Winter follows for a final 10 days of warming temperatures and rain.
This year hasn’t followed the normal pattern. Father Winter slept through his turn, and we had no snow at all. Mother Winter is now in charge, and she has gotten us back on track. We’ve had several days of snow, which has melted here in town but stuck up on the mountains. Last year Baby Winter threw a tantrum which brought a return of freezing temperatures and heavy snow just when everyone was starting their spring cleaning.
Weather is unpredictable, and seems to be getting more so all over the world. Still, our neighbors here are not alone in trying to set boundaries and schedule the seasons. What’s the point? Perhaps it’s that human desire to exercise just a little control over often-powerful climatic forces. Or maybe it’s the psychological boost that we get by crossing days off the calendar, like schoolkids anticipating spring break. After weeks of wearing layers of wool and typing with stiff, cold fingers, the day comes when Father Winter packs his bags and Mother Winter takes over. I pat myself on the back and give three cheers for having survived the worst! Now that Mother Winter is in charge, I can look forward to the kindness of a little more sun each day. And by the time Baby Winter arrives, no matter what tricks he plays on us, I’ll know that his stay will be brief.
Now, to answer the Goldilocks question: Which kind of winter fits me “just right”? Answer: Summer!
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged winter by Lisa