It’s beginning to look a lot like…spring? Well, maybe not spring, but it doesn’t feel much like winter here in Northeast Ohio. So far this season we’ve had mild temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s with some wind and rain. A few colder days and some flurries, but nothing that we Ohioans would call snow. It’s been an enjoyable fall, but tomorrow marks the first day of Winter and the forecast doesn’t seem to be changing much. Those hoping for a white Christmas this year probably won’t get there wish.

Admittedly this mild transition from fall to winter has been very enjoyable. The longer we can go without shoveling snow is best for everyone. Snow on Christmas does add that extra special touch to the holiday, but once the snows here, it’s here. 

We had a brief drop in temps over the weekend, but still not enough to freeze the ground. Trees are budding, or re-budding. Garlic that was planted in late October is already starting to sprout. And stray flower seeds are still finding enough light and warmth to grow.

Everyone loves the idea of a mild winter. But without a real freeze, mother nature won’t know what to do with herself. Many things benefit from the cold, dormant period that winter offers. Garlic, for example, needs that time in the soil in late fall, before the ground freezes. It establishes itself for the impending freeze, which adds flavor and strength to the garlic clove. Come early spring, the garlic is ready and will start to grow. We as people benefit from the cold, dormant period too. Cold temperatures are better for brain function, as well as sleep patterns. We also benefit from certain things not surviving the cold, such as spiders and bugs, certain weeds and invasive plants. Come spring we are thankful for what the cold did do for us.

But let’s enjoy the mild weather now! And hope that it lasts through the holidays (sorry white Christmas lovers) to make traveling easier, for more time with family and friends! But here’s hoping that it eventually gets cold enough to freeze and we get a bit of snow. Happy & Safe Holidays Everyone!

Written by CB