Has this been an old-fashioned winter?

Yes indeed. But some of the old-timers out there might say this is not the real thing, but it sure has been close — except for lack of a lot more snow, and more nose-biting, crunching under foot extreme cold.

By the way, there’s a pretty decent snowfall coming down as this is written on Monday!

Anyone remembering way back can probably attest to temperatures as low as 30 below and more, and days at a time when the temp would not get above zero. That kind of weather can be documented by looking back in the old files of the Messenger. Wow — those must have been some really challenging winters!

Those of us who could fit into the category of “just beyond middle age” certainly have vivid memories of ‘real’ snowstorms, when blizzards would whip several inches into unbelievable drifts, making any travel almost impossible. Youngsters might believe this or not — but there were times when Monty’s Main Street was packed with snowdrifts to the extent that vehicle traffic was not even considered. The only method of travel (it was really fun back then) was by snowmobile or tractor, and since no one could get to work, let the parties begin!

But let’s take heart, and remember that we are a lot better off than many parts of the country. The first day of spring is only days away, and for many people spring is the greatest time of the year.

Taking a look at the calendar, we find Daylight Saving Time starting on Sunday, March 10; St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, March 17; the first day of spring is Wednesday, March 20; and Easter Sunday comes on Sunday, March 31.

March is a busy month!

• • •

Beauty in a Winter Storm

When the going gets tough and the winter seems to be long and never-ending, the following poem by Joan Stephen might help us appreciate what we have — compared with other parts of the country — and remember that spring is not that far behind.........

There is beauty in a 

winter storm

Despite the cold and rage.

Icy sculptures form on trees

And fences weak with age.

The drifts of snow are shipped in peaks

Across all country land.

The whistling, chilly winds push on

And paint with unseen hand.

The beauty of the 

white landscape

With its unblemished form

Becomes a quiet ending

To a frenzied storm.

• • •

For You Irish Out There-St. Pat’s is coming!

In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts. So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them to mind their own pints and quarts and settle down. It’s where we got the phrase “Mind your P’s and Q’s.”