It is unfortunate that both, the Farmer’s Almanac and the groundhog, were wrong about a mild winter and spring luring around the corner. However, being back in the house, pouring a cup of good Shelburne Falls Coffee (my favorite Costa Rican Tarrazu), and reading the March/April edition of Yankee Magazine, I learned that spring in New England is not marked by the calendar.

According to an advertisement by visitnh.gov:

For New Englanders, the coming of spring isn’t marked by the calendar. It’s marked by plumes of steam from sugar house in full swing. That’s the signal to shed a layer and shake off cabin fever. For generations, making syrup has been more than a tradition – it’s been a rite of passage from winter to spring. Starting with pancake breakfasts and maple donuts, the days are rich with activity. So come take part in the tradition and you’ll have a much tastier way to mark the change of seasons.

Well, warmed by a really good coffee and these warm, encouraging words, I will continue my day rich with activity. It’s time to get more firewood for our wood stove, and to clear the path for the propane and heating oil deliveries. Then over to the local store and buy some cold medicine for my wife. And the dog plus three-year-old son need to be walked through this winter wonder world.

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On an up-note the distinct quality of the snow enabled us to build the second snow man this year. The last one did not hold up to the strong winds we had during these last days, and my son kept asking for him. So, we started a new one. My wife donated the carrot and the Boston Red Sox hat while my son continued to put more “arms” on the snow man. When he was finished we had to decide for a name. With the Red Sox hat I came up with two choices for my son, either “Tito” or “Youk” (Think Kevin Youkilis). My son decided in favor of Tito which is Terry Francona’s nick name (For those baseball-impaired: Terry Francona is the manager for the Boston Red Sox). My wife, a vivid Red Sox fan, was pleased with the choice. Sorry, Youk…