It's Springtime!!

Out in Creamer's Field at about 5:30pm. The sun is still up!



I cannot believe I am writing about this.  I have just been noticing that people in Fairbanks have been acting a little bit different as of late, and I think I have a hunch about what it is.

1. I got a notice on my door the other day, reminding us about the

annual "hard pack snow removal" in our apartment's parking lot

next week.

This is Marshall's Parking spot. Notice the large build-up
 of snow and the dip where he parks his truck. It just gives an
idea of how much snow and ice is packed on our parking lot.
My car below is not even parked on a flat surface because of this.
And parking spots are pointless in the winter.

2. It was starting to get light when I walked out of the house this

 morning at 6:45am

3. There is still light outside at 7pm

4. We are gaining 7 minutes of sunlight PER DAY!!

5. I wore shorts last night on my way to yoga because it was

a warm 20 degrees F

6. The trails behind my apartment are busy with people running, 

skijoring, skiing, and walking their dogs

7. There are snowmachine trails all over the open fields around town

8.  Racing season is starting back up!!!

9.  I don't have to start my car for 15 minutes before going anywhere

10.  I don't have to plug my car in at night (which translates to

 us saving $50/month on our electric bill)

11. I am starting to see little glimpses of the road again...which means I 

will need to start following the lines on the road,

instead of the snow tracks.

People here are acting more excited and cheerful because the days are getting longer and the sun is actually doing its job by warming up our city!

I never appreciated springtime when I was living in California.  Springtime really didn't mean anyting there.  But after five months of dark and cold, springtime is such a welcome feeling.  Yesterday evening I went skiing out in the "backyard" and couldn't help but feel grateful for the beautiful place I call home.  Yes, it is still chilly outside.  I still wear a coat and gloves, but I don't have to layer or wear scarves, or even zip my coat up all the way.  It is so refreshing to go skiing out on the trails and pass by 7 other people within thirty minutes of being out.  People in Fairbanks love the outdoors. We love the sunshine.  While there is still going to be snow on the ground for a couple more months, springtime is definitely on its way to town.