Winter Strikes Back
Oh, did I mention that when I got up Monday morning, there were several inches of snow on the ground? And that snow was still falling thick and fast?
I guess that’s because I went into a period of deep denial. The denial was helped by the fact that I had to drive to Springfield, 200 miles south of Chicago – far enough that there isn’t any snow to be seen.
Early spring snowstorms are not too uncommon in Chicago. It was an April snowstorm in 1979, and its bungled cleanup, that resulted in the election of the only woman to be mayor in Chicago’s history. Ever since then, snow removal has been downright fastidious during election years.
Anyhow, I’m driving back to Chicago tomorrow, and I don’t even know if the snow is melted yet (Judy’s also out of town until Sunday). I certainly hope to have a snow-free garden by Saturday.
gardeninacity 
March Madness in the truest sense of phrase Jason. What a difference a few hundred miles makes. I lived in the Chicago area for 6 years and was keenly aware of how spring and summer in st louis arrived 10 – 14 days ahead of Chicago.
True, although your summers are even hotter than ours also.
So true. They can be brutal and very humid
I hear ya! I stood out on recess duty Monday in utter disbelief! Your expression up there is priceless! And yes the snow is gone!!!!! Here is to warmer temperatures next week!!! Nicole
I’m right there with you praying for those warmer temps.
Oh no! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you Jason and hope it has gone by the time you get home!
I got home yesterday and indeed the snow was almost completely gone. Still dang cold, though, right around freezing today.
Oh – the look of despair. I do hope that this bout of snowy weather lifts soon for you guys!
There are just a few small patches in shady areas as of today – but it’s still awfully cold.
I can honestly say…..we know how you feel. We still have 11/2 feet of snow on ground and these days when they call for more…..oh goodness, really? More? It does take the spring out of your step, doesn’t it? This warm spring sun will melt it though……we’re hoping! We’re counting on it! Hope you return to bare ground…..not too soggy….and spring flowers!
As of today – bare ground yes, but still waiting for the spring flowers for the most part.
How awful. You are clearly in denial, you aren’ t dressed for snow at all. Where are your, boots, your scarf, your gloves, your hat? Where’ s your thick woolly overcoat?
I have a tendency to underdress for cold weather. Judy is convinced I have polar bear ancestors somewhere down the line. This is reinforced by stubornness – I just won’t wear winter clothes at the end of March.
Around here these spring snows don’t usually stick around long. I am hopeful for you to have a snow free weekend. What ever happens enjoy your time off.
We were almost snow free today, tomorrow should be snow free and even on the warm side.
Mother Nature keeps wanting to remind us who is in charge although I never had any doubt. Here’s hoping yours melts quickly, and we get some additional help because there’s still several feet of it on everything here.
That’s a good reminder that I shouldn’t complain too much.
We have snow coming today and tomorrow, and we still have a good amount of dirty snow still on the ground. Lovely.
This, too, shall pass.
Oh Jason, I´m so sorry for you. I certainly hope that spring is just around the corner. Here we are having a wet spring, but that´s ok, because the winter was pretty dry.
The snow is almost all gone now, and we ares supposed to have rain next week.
That photo made me sigh because we are so ready here in Connecticut as well for warm spring weather – and no more snow – hang in there – I am sure it will melt very quickly for you! Cathy T
Thanks, Cathy, that seems to be happening.
I’m glad you were able to escape the snow to the more pleasant parts of Illinois on Monday:) We missed the snow, but it certainly has been colder this week. Looking forward to warmer temps next week! I didn’t know that part of the story about Jane Byrne’s election–how funny:)
Well, it was a work trip, but still. So many good stories about the late Mayor Byrne.
We had a partial melt and one nice day this week. I was pulling my wheelbarrow through the snow. Ugh. Since then… Cold and miserable!!! I feel your pain, lol!
I was just out working in the garden when it started a cold, sleety rain. Oh well, at least the snow is almost all gone today.
We had a big snowstorm yesterday as well. No use rushing the season. Spring will come eventually. I am glad to drive Jeep, they don’t plow too much here either, and I live on the Mayor’s street.
Some cities seem to have an attitude that if you can’t handle the snow, you shouldn’t live here. Based on my kids’ experience, those would include Montreal and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
I truly sympathize! There was snow West of us and East of us – I suppose we were lucky as we only had a dusting in Southern Ontario.
I’d say that is pretty lucky.
After seeing that photo I’m in denial too. I prefer to imagine you still enjoying the sun on your snowdrops and crocuses.
We seem to be headed in that direction once again.
Oh Jason, you look so upset and defeated in that picture, as if each snowflake is mocking you on its way down. I genuinely do hope you have a snow-free garden by the weekend.
Thanks, Sunil. I pretty much did.
As we say……
Ne’er cast a clout ’til May is oot! I hope you return to a less wintery scene Jason.
Thanks, Angie. I doubt I could say that with the right accent, but I get the point. Did I ever mention that my boss and old friend is a Cameron and very much into his Scots heritage (St. Andrew’s Society, Burns Dinner, and a trip to the old country every few years)?
that’s incredible Jason. That looks a huge amount of snow to me!
By Chicago standards it is a modest snowstorm, but very much unwanted at the end of March!
I really feel sorry for you ! I know you are longing for real Spring to come just as everybody else !!
It’s improved some this weekend, the snow is melted.
Good grief! Who would believe that???? You poor thing, I had an urge to run out and wrap a scarf around you, you’ll catch your death without a jumper on!!!!
Sighs….here’s to the white stuff being a thing of the past when you get home!xxx
It wasn’t actually all that cold, at least by Chicago standards.
It can seem disheartening but spring snows usually melt quickly. I hope it was all gone when you got home!
We still have quite a lot in the woods and it’s still shin deep.
It’s pretty much gone by now.
I wish you SPRING when you return.
Thank you, Lynn!
Good thing you drove south! Our snow up here in Madison is almost melted, so I can’t imagine you have much left. For some reason, these spring snows don’t bother me as much as the ones in February–the ones that dump feet of snow that you know won’t melt until March or April. I guess we needed the precip (here in Wisconsin, anyway). We’re bordering on a drought, and I really don’t want that to happen again.
There was a bit of rain today, more predicted for later in the week. The ground is moist.
You have my sympathies! We experience only occasional snowfalls here, and usually very light ones at that, but by March I am very ready for spring. I hope all that snow melts quickly and soon you see bulbs emerging and fresh growth on trees. But since your spring is so long in coming, it must be loved all the more!
Well I guess I feel lucky as it might be cold and I still have 90% of the snow covering the garden, but no new snow.
Always a good idea to look on the bright side.
That’s just an insult this time of year. I am so sorry. =/
Things are better now.