Pody's column: Signs of spring abound

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Our unusual weather and March tournaments have been a wonderful diversion from the nasty, bickering six years of campaigning, politics and he-says-she-says half truths. Regardless of whether you are red or blue, people are tired of all the drama while nothing gets accomplished.

Oh, well. We have one weekend ahead of Minnesota Boys High School Basketball Tournament and both the men’s and women’s college playoffs.  It’s hard to believe we’ve gotten through so far without a March blizzard. Predictions are for rain this week and we need the moisture.

This winter has been a blessing for many and a curse for others. The above-normal temperatures meant lower heating bills, fewer accidents and fewer overtime hours for snow removal. It was a nice winter for many snowbirds, who elected to stay up north due to the high gas prices and a Godsend to those working the North Dakota oil fields and living in a parking lot tent city. Even some of our feathered friends stayed here.

For those who depend on a cold, icy, snowy winter, it was a disaster. Many traditional winter celebrations were canceled.  With last year’s long winter still fresh in mind, early retail sales were strong so consumers wouldn’t be caught short. Ice fishing, skiing, dog races, snowmobiling, skating, outdoor hockey and many other events were limited.

Hopefully we get much needed moisture for our lakes, crops and lawns but also to keep down the potential of grass fires. At this time of year, whether it is white or wet doesn’t matter much because we need the moisture. Like Denver, one day it snows and the next day it’s in the high 60s.

The weatherman says thunderstorms for this week. Remember, old timers said our first killing frost of the season happens six months after the first clap of thunder!

Enjoy our early spring. Remember, we only have seven months left of all the political rhetoric.

Tags: opinion, rosemount, commentaries