Snow and Signs of Spring

Marching through the spring snow

This winter seemed like it would never end, what with the snow and freezing temperatures taking over the Northeast from the holiday season well into March. There was half a foot of fresh powder on what was technically the first day of spring in the tristate area! I’m grateful that where I live wasn’t hit as hard as Boston or Buffalo. And though I may lace up and dash through the snow, waking up for my workouts all winter no matter what, brushing off concerns with the thoughts that others have it worse, I’m still so thrilled when signs of spring appear.

 

 

A river runs through once more

Earlier this week, I saw a ship chugging down the East River under a sparkling sun. The river is no longer frozen, with floes of ice so large it would be dangerous for any boat to pass through. While it’s still chilly, the water is moving again and nature is back on its proper course. The sparkling sun attested to that fact! On a related note, I took this photo from the river running path, which is finally free of the thick sheet of ice and resulting slush that made it hazardous for months. This means that November Project PR Day for April won’t require running in an ice bath!

 

 

Fuel for body and mind

Thursday we had misty rain, with temps in the mid-50s and rising. Today was a little nippy again (snowflakes!) That plus nerves meant I was experiencing some shivers this morning. I ate a small breakfast before heading to Columbia for the 8:30am start. A half-cup of coffee, a Chobani Oats apricot yogurt, a small apple, and a few squares of dark chocolate with black tea leaves (hey, dark chocolate is brain food!)  The new Chobani Oats flavors also contain chia, quinoa, and amaranth. I didn’t realize when I picked it up, and it was the first time I tried chia seeds. I’ll have to give them another go though, because the pre-test stomach butterflies were very unhelpful.

 

A delightfully stuffed omelet

The test is two hours, but there was well over an hour of administrative stuff tacked on, and you aren’t allowed to bring food or drink into the room (not even water) which I’m certain did not help with those shivers or butterflies. It’s tough to warm up if your blood sugar is spiraling! I usually eat something every couple of hours, so my stomach was growling by 11am. Luckily, I headed to brunch at Pascalou with a good friend afterwards, where we indulged in warm coffee and cheesy eggs and did not speak about school (for me) or work (for her) at all. I had an omelet with goat cheese, spinach, and roasted tomatoes, topped with a tad of cream and chives.

 

 

Sweet and springlike

My food cravings are already a bit more springlike. While I’ll be making muffins and eating oats all summer long, I also want salads with fresh veggies and spring lettuces, and wild berries, stone fruits, and melon for sweet treats. I was pleased that I had a nice spring mesclun mix alongside my omelet this afternoon, and that we were able to order “off-menu” fruit salads for dessert since we are both gluten-free and couldn’t have the cake. A lovely combination of cantaloupe and watermelon was a refreshing finish. Unfortunately, when we left the restaurant, we were greeted with a gust of snowflakes. But hope springs eternal that warmth will arrive eventually!

 

 

 

The ice cream man has arrived outside the Guggenheim

 

More signs of spring are sure to come, from birds chirping and flowers blooming to the sun, finally, once and for all, breaking free and warming the earth. For now, though, this familiar spring (and *summer*) symbol sighted on my walk home is herald enough. Mister Softee in the snow, just waiting for the sunshine.

 

 

 

 

Have you noticed any signs of spring in your neighborhood? What signifies the change of seasons for you?

 

 

 

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