Happy March! After a snowy beginning to the week, we segued into absolutely frigid temps driven down by the wind, then topped all this loveliness off yesterday with a wintery mix. “Wintery mix” sounds more like potpourri, doesn’t it? You know, an overwhelming combination of cinnamon, balsam, and cloves? Whether it’s smelling up the house or messing up the roads, a wintery mix stinks.
But this coming week’s looking pretty good. We’re supposed to eek into the 40’s. That’s
downright balmy for this neck of the woods. I’ve got visions of crocuses dancing in my head.
Now that the weather will hopefully be getting warmer, we’re going to start seeing a certain spring fashion trend in Mahoosuc Mills. It happens every year. I call it “season averaging.” That’s where you combine summer and winter clothes together in one outfit. Get it? Summer + Winter = Spring. Makes sense in theory!
You’ve seen these folks, I’m sure. There’s still snow on the ground, and this guy’s wearing shorts, sneakers and a baseball cap, with a flannel shirt and polar fleece vest. Or those young gals sporting short-shorts and a short top with extra long sleeves, a hint of midriff showing, accessorized with a huge scarf wrapped ‘round and ‘round like a neck brace, Uggs, and a wool hat. I just don’t get it!
Just like I don’t get skinny jeans, flats and no socks when it’s minus 5 out. Or kids waiting for the bus dead of winter with only a hoodie sweatshirt on. It’s so cold you can see your breath. Doesn’t seem right, but their parents are probably sick of arguing with ‘em.
Charlie, Scamp and I walk by in our winter walking clothes, bundled to the nines. This is what I’m wearing: long underwear, thick socks, boots, lined pants, polar fleece top, vest, my new super, duper insulated LLBean winter parka and mittens, hat with earflaps, and polar fleece scarf. I mean, I’m so bundled up, I could rob a bank and folks would be unable to identify me!
But this is the time of year when even sensible, middle-aged folks like myself are tempted to push it a little. Lately, I’ve been eyeing my spring jackets. On a day where maybe the temp’s soar into the 40’s, I haul these out, maybe combining them with a lighter weight scarf. Not quite season averaging, but longing for spring and pushing it in my own way.
‘Cause let’s be honest. In March, when they predict temp’s in the 40’s, that means that it’s that warm maybe noon to 2:00, right? I’m not complaining, but that spring coat isn’t really warm enough cut it. Still, it raises my sprits.
So does hearing the bird’s spring chatter, the drip, drip of melting snow off the roof, longer days, daylight savings time, and the warmth of spring sun on my face.
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Spring Fashion Trend: Season Averaging
UP NEXT:
March 29 & 30: Ida: Woman Who Runs With the Moose, The Footlights Theatre, 7:30, Falmouth, ME
Check out my full schedule here.
Join my mailing list. I’ll let you know when a new blog post goes up, where I’ll be performing next, and any other news that’s fit to print. Or you can like my Facebook page.