You know it has been a rough Michigan winter when . . .

The top news headline of each day is one of the following:

• "Yet another day of single digit temperatures"
• "4-6 inches of snow expected overnight"
• "Number of potholes at a record high"
• "Warm temps and rain to bring another round of flooding"
• "Today's near record warmth to be followed by sub-zero wind chills"

Seriously, I can't remember a winter like this where we have had so many 30 degree temperature changes in a matter of hours. There are flood warnings about every other week and the constant fluctuations in temperature have created the most pothole filled roads I have seen on paved roads here in Michigan.

The good news?

One month from tomorrow, February 20, Spring officially begins on March 20, 2008!

For those longing for more light later in the evening - Daylight Saving Time begins March 9th.

And as they say - "Hope Springs Eternal."

The first Robin of Spring has arrived!

I know that technically spring does not officially begin until next week on March 21, but we have had some warmer weather the last couple of days with highs tomorrow reaching the mid-60s. Next week when spring officially begins the forecast is calling for winter weather with temps in the mid to upper 30s. So celebrate spring early. The Robins already are. My son spotted the first Robin of the year this morning.

If the Robins are back can spring really be too far behind? I hope not.

Say Hello to . . .Spring?

Today, March 20, marks the official first day of spring. All winter long we have had above normal or mild temps. Now that spring is here what do we get? Below normal temps, of course. The normal high for southwest lower Michigan is 49 degrees for this time of the year. The ten day forecast calls for maybe two days that meet or exceed that temperature. I have had Spring Fever since January and can hardly stand it.

This was the absolute strangest winter that I can remember. We saw no significant snowfall after Christmas and had bare brown grass showing from New Year's on. So, bring on the warmer weather. I am sick of all of this cold with no snow. Grrr, I had better have another cup of coffee.