No, not sausage, groundhog!

Punxsutawney Phil predicts early spring. Here in the North Country we’ve been enjoying an early spring for the past few weeks. The question isn’t so much whether Phil’s prediction will be proven correct as it is whether our early spring will continue from now through the vernal equinox. The thirty day temperature outlook is for above normal centered on Minnesota, with an equal chance of above or below normal precipitation. We’ve noted several times over the years that spring is the season Minnesota regularly does lest well. This year at least is looking very interesting, even if we’re not really there yet. Meanwhile, much of the state remains in abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions. Grass fire season could be a real treat.

may we avoid freezing rain and ice

Photo by J. Harrington

In a little more than a week, this year’s legislative season session begins. Little will be safe or sacred until it ends on May 20. We will try to follow, but do not guarantee compliance with, the old advice “if you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all.” I believe my time will be better spent focused on fishing, baking, and poeting. The odds are quite high that will make me happier, probably in direct proportion to the degree that I’m less well informed about “public affairs.”

In that realm I’m finding fewer and fewer reasons to bother with Minnesota’s March 5 presidential primary. The odds are against signing on to become a Republican just so I can vote for Nikki instead of Donnie and the Democrats have nine options including an official “none of the above” for Uncommitted Delegates or someone who, at face value, fails to meet the three minimal, Constitutional, requisites to qualify to be POTUS. See what I’m getting at here.

There is much going on in the world, the US, Minnesota, and my “home town” with which I disagree. I also don’t have enough hours in a day, week, month, or year to affect the outcomes of most or all of those issues, even though I mske a few political contributions and sign letters and petitions. Despite the fact that George Monbiot and I share a number of concerns, it’s rare that I find myself in agreement with him. His current column in The Guardian is an exception. You should probably read it.

Don’t Hesitate

by Mary Oliver

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

********************************************
Thanks for visiting. Come again when you can.
Please be kind to each other while you can.