Wordless Wednesday

The Big Thaw

Over the weekend, much of the Midwest saw much warmer temperatures, 40's and even 50's, return to bring some much needed relief to the harsh winter we have had. Snow and ice which have lingered for weeks, finally started to melt and clear the roads and sidewalks for motorists and pedestrians alike. Could our strange friend, the groundhog, actually have been right? Is spring coming early this year? Well, no one can complain about the respite of warm weather that has descended upon us. Most people I know would rather not see another snowflake for a good long time! Now that baseball's spring training is about to begin, all signs are pointing to spring. Of course, one would be foolish to think that there will be no more cold weather between now and March 21st, the official beginning of springtime. As a motorcyclist, I used this past weekend as a time to clean out the garage and charge up the battery on my bike for my first ride of the year. On Sunday, I ventured out for a 50 mile ride and saw lots of other motorcyclists had the same idea. Except for some wet patches of road every now and then, due to the snow melt, it felt great to be back out on the open road feeling the wind and fresh air on my face. Come on March, let's put winter behind us once and for all. Let the riding season begin!

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Training

Reports out of Pennsylvania earlier this week predicted an early end to winter, yes spring is right around the corner! With single digit temps and snow still on the ground, it's easy to be skeptical of this groundhog's prediction. Here in Missouri, most people have had enough. A colder winter than we've grown accustomed to over the past several years, has been coupled with a lot more snow and sleet than we are used to. In St. Louis, where I live, we are tired of being in storm mode and having extra kids hanging around the house because their school is closed. Just about everyone I know is ready for warmer weather and spring to begin! March 20th, come on! Spring Training begins in 9 days! Yes, that's when pitchers and catchers report to Florida and Arizona for baseball's annual rite of passage. Close your eyes...imagine nice plush green grass, can you smell it? 80 degrees, t-shirts, shorts, flip-flops. The first spring training game for the St. Louis Cardinals is on Feb. 28th. That's only 24 days away! Less than a month. Take that, Punxsutawney Phil. It's time to start checking flight schedules and hotel deals. This winter can take a hike! OK, there's no time to waste. Start making your plans now. There's still plenty of time to do your taxes! I wonder if my wife is up for a road trip with me and 5 kids? Who's with me?