January 31

January at an end. I know that I should accept and even anticipate each day, even those in the midst of our New England winters. Still, I admit that I am usually pleased when January has come and gone.

Seasonally, the weatherman indicates that winter begins in December and lasts through February. I like this framework, even if I know it doesn’t really apply. This would mean that we are 2/3 finished with winter, and February’s relative shortness makes it seem as if spring is possible, if only around the corner.

According to the celestial calendar, March 21^st or thereabouts is the equinox, and the unofficial acknowledgement of our vernal return. This means winter is really just a month old at this point, following the solstice, and I for one find this disheartening.

No. Winter holds tightly here, regardless of meteorological or astronomical calculations. It will also hold fast despite what the perennial prognosticator indicates in two days. I am resolved to ride it out and take a page from experience. It will be winter until it stops being winter, no sooner.