Halfway to Spring

February 2nd marked the halfway point between winter and spring. Whether or not the groundhog saw his shadow, we still have six weeks of winter left. In France and in our home, the day is celebrated with crepes and candles and cidre. I like the idea of a special day to eat crepes in candlelight, particularly since we are in a rather drab season.

Where we live, we miss the typical signs of winter--we don't get snow, at least a few flowers are in bloom at any given time, and the ducks in our neighborhood lagoon are still quacking away rather than going south. Instead, our winters are marked by fewer stands at the farmers market, no avocados, and dark and chilly evenings. Our son has also noticed that the fat spider who lived on our front porch through fall has quietly disappeared, web and all. Every evening we check the mail, and he points up at her now empty corner.

With winter half over, our Chandeleur celebration reminds us to appreciate what is special about the remaining season. It is a cozy time, when we can light fires in the chimney, cuddle under layers of blankets, and look at the stars and moon before it is even bedtime. It also reminds us to look for signs of spring. We can walk home from my son's school in the evening before the sun sets. Our pear tree has one branch in bloom. At the farmers market, the flower stand has made a return with butter-yellow tulips and fuchsia anemones. Suddenly, a drab season has become more interesting.