It's Been a Long Winter in the UP

I fell the other day.  No it wasn't the so hard you screw up your neck or crack your head open kind of fall.  But I bruised my knee so bad the other wanted to share some of its pain.  Perk of hurting yourself in you 30's I guess.  It got me thinking though, will winter ever end?

This winter has been a doozie.  I'm not sure if its the length this year or the fact that we had a snowstorm every week for a month and a half.  I'm going with the latter.  If you couldn't tell, I have a severe case of cabin fever.  I'm sick of shoveling, slipping and sliding, and the massive potholes.  Is Spring here yet?

My dog is suffering with this too.  All he wants to do is be able to go for our daily four mile walk.  I, however, value my life too much to subject myself to his extreme pulling ability.  Don't let his cute face fool you, he is not the best leash walker.

Maybe my distaste for winter comes from the fact that I don't participate in any winter activities.  I've never been on a snowmobile, been snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, etc.  All my UP activities include walking, going to the beach, and exploring the waterfalls and lighthouses in this beautiful peninsula.

My goal next winter though is to start learning how to snow shoe and cross-country ski.  This way, hopefully, come spring I won't have this burning anxiety and cabin fever that comes when the weather warms up and the sidewalks become death traps.

I took Bear (my dog) for a ride too.  He seems to enjoy getting out of the house as much I as do.  I can't wait for long summer days full of walks, walks on the beach, romantic sunsets, and long car rides.  Who else yearns for summer this much?

Plus when the weather is warmer my joints hurt less.  It seems that with each passing birthday I discover a new joint pain.  The cold, especially the damp, makes it flare up.  Another notch against the winter this year.  Falling on ice doesn't help either, who knew?

So who's with me?  Bring on Summer!!  Stay tuned.