About three weeks ago I was standing in Oklahoma where the sun shown down on us at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As I looked around, I could not help but notice the grass and trees. Although there were no leaves on the trees, or green grass, I could see that it was all very alive. That was three weeks ago! But when I look out the window of my house, everything looks so quiet and still, and there is no sign of life except for the occasional raven that flies by overhead.
We are patiently awaiting the arrival of spring! When spring comes in Alaska, it is like nothing you have ever seen before. Not only does the snow melt away outside, but the icicles that have built up on people's hearts melt away as well. If you live here, you know what I mean. When the sun comes out and warms the earth, people start to smile more. If you think that I am making all of this up, Google it and look up Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is real. Anyways, as of today, March 24, we are still awaiting spring. All across the lower 48, what little snow fell is melting rapidly and leaves have already grown back. But here in the quaint town of Kenny Lake, Alaska, we are still waiting for breakup. While we wait for spring we know there comes consequences with this year’s massive amount of snowfall, such as flooding and large quantities of mosquitoes.
As we wait, we anticipate the days when we will be able to go outside in our shorts (although some of us go in the snow like that anyway), wade into the puddles until they overflow our mud boots, or attempt to walk across the thin ice without falling through. We long for the opportunity to ride our bikes to school, the days that become hot enough to go to the lake for a dip, or the sunny days to hike in the brilliant mountains. We wait for the days where we can dig in the dirt of the gardens, and stay out all night because the sun never sets. We are waiting for you spring, so please come quick!
We are patiently awaiting the arrival of spring! When spring comes in Alaska, it is like nothing you have ever seen before. Not only does the snow melt away outside, but the icicles that have built up on people's hearts melt away as well. If you live here, you know what I mean. When the sun comes out and warms the earth, people start to smile more. If you think that I am making all of this up, Google it and look up Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is real. Anyways, as of today, March 24, we are still awaiting spring. All across the lower 48, what little snow fell is melting rapidly and leaves have already grown back. But here in the quaint town of Kenny Lake, Alaska, we are still waiting for breakup. While we wait for spring we know there comes consequences with this year’s massive amount of snowfall, such as flooding and large quantities of mosquitoes.
As we wait, we anticipate the days when we will be able to go outside in our shorts (although some of us go in the snow like that anyway), wade into the puddles until they overflow our mud boots, or attempt to walk across the thin ice without falling through. We long for the opportunity to ride our bikes to school, the days that become hot enough to go to the lake for a dip, or the sunny days to hike in the brilliant mountains. We wait for the days where we can dig in the dirt of the gardens, and stay out all night because the sun never sets. We are waiting for you spring, so please come quick!