Let’s talk more about spring in Northern Michigan. It’s a season that can really leave your head spinning. Two weeks ago it was in the sixties, and last week we plunged right back into neck gator season. Going out for morning walks with Leroy led to difficult decisions. Which coat should I wear? Do I need gloves, mittens, a hat? Choose wrong and fingers turn into cramped claws. Or almost as bad,you’re forced to carry superfluous gear past smirking people with seasonal dress finess. This week it’s another turn-around-time to dust off your shorts again for a bout of temperatures in the seventies.
Closer to home, there’s the issue of sheets. When is the right time to shed your flannels? Again the repercussions of the wrong move are severe. You can face a string of frosty nights with compromised coziness and the sleep stealing reality of frozen toes. Alternatively, your bed can become damp and oppressive.
The distressing nature of the seaon isn’t confined to temperatures. The north country is now a host to swarms of tiny swirling black bugs known as midges. Each spring there’s the moment you swallow that first bug of the season. Of course this particular fellow gets caught in your throat and can’t seem to find his way either back up and out, or down into a protesting gullet. Alas, for whatever reason, it usually conforms with the rules of gravity. It’s a distressing situation for a multi-year vegetarian.
But who can complain- the Dairy Queen is open!