Notes of Concern…
…Jack Blair
SEASONAL DISSATISFACTION
My wife and I had a pleasurable trip to Virginia last week to visit with two of our sons and our grandsons. After the winter we have experienced in Massachusetts it was delightful to see flowers beginning to bloom and the trees to be awakening. Even nicer were the occasional days with high 70’s and low 80’s in temperature.
Of course, we returned to another snowstorm in New England. As I listened to the weather reports I must admit that even a snow lover like me realized it was time for winter to end.
My wife reminded me that we had in the past gotten snow in late April. She can quickly bring me back to reality when she wishes!
When the snow did come it was as beautiful as always while falling from the sky but this time it brought an unexpected dividend. Although we received a good quantity, it was almost all gone within the day. This is a sure sign that Spring is just around the corner.
Winter is a season when friends and relatives travel to warm places to be reminded that it is possible to escape winter. Some people actually leave New England and head to Florida or another warm spot for the entire winter. They are referred to as “snow birds” by full time southerners who see their influx each winter as overcrowding but good for the economy.
For years, before air conditioning, it was not uncommon for people from northern cities like New York and Boston to seek a cool refuge in the mountains from the summer heat. They migrated to places like Cape Cod, the Poconos, the Berkshires and many other noted havens from the sweltering heat.
So man has a history of settling where work is plentiful regardless of the climate and then treating himself to escapes either from time to time or for whole seasons.
Historians study times when an “escape” was to the local tavern, a sporting contest, a bike ride or even a quiet fishing trip on the local pond. In the age in which we live, and in the abundance that flows our way, many “escape” to exotic places like Bali, Hawaii, Bermuda, or far away countries. For those who cannot afford those kinds of “escapes” television and movies continue to provide an “escape” as do computers and computer games.
When winter gets you down, you can fly to Miami, the Caribbean, Mexico or another warm and cozy place. Or you can sit in your favorite chair with a nice libation and let television or a movie transport you.
Whatever your choice may be, you can be certain that the changing seasons will also bring you relief from the cold in the form of heat and humidity. This then will provide you the chance to escape to a cooler place on the water or in the country.
Is it possible that we are never satisfied?
