Carmel reader says we all should embrace true winter weather

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Dear Editor:

As I sit in my family room, looking out the window at our beautiful, frozen pond covered with snow, I am reminded of how important winter is and the role it plays. Most plants go dormant, insects die.  Some animals hibernate. It is a time of rest.

There have been several years where there has been a fine line between winter and spring.  Scientists call it “season creep”; fooling insects, flowers and trees into doing what they would normally do in the spring and instead, doing it during a warm spell in the winter months.  This warm spell may be something we as humans may enjoy, but this false spring only confuses the flora and fauna.

Some meteorologists might say, “The best day of the week will be Sunday with temperatures reaching 50 degrees!”  This would be nice in April, but not in January.  It’s not normal. We are being trained to accept the changes that are occurring.  Hoping, wishing, even looking forward to warm days in the winter.

Instead, let’s reclaim winter!  Put on your coats and hats.  Go outside and enjoy the sunshine, the snow and the cold temperatures!  Look to the night sky.  It’s brighter and more clear during the winter. Listen to the silence as the snow falls.  Ahh, winter!  Embrace it!

Nancy Tatum
Carmel