April is great in New York City, and before it comes to an end, I need to recognize that. When we lived in North Carolina, we had the luxury of a temperate climate — seasons yes, but the worst one was summer. Compared to my upbringing in climate-grouchy Massachusetts, NC was a cake-walk. And while NC has what I call the “purple-tree season” where the roadsides and countrysides look more like a child’s coloring than reality, it tends to leap with all its energy into spring, both feet flying, without looking back, no regrets. Just WHAM, one day, it’s spring. Then out comes the pollen, people with hay fever swear like truck drivers. And then in about 3 days, it’s summer. And we call our friends in the north and invite them down for an April visit to enjoy the 80 degree days. Nah nah na nah nah.
NYC doesn’t roll that way. It makes you work for spring. It makes people think twice, nay, three times about winter. Your on the edge of your seat … remembering summer days, sitting outside on patios, strolling in parks. It’s almost here, almost. A warm morning will tempt you to leave your coat at home, and the afternoon will beat you back, reminding your overhasty self that it’s only April. A spring-fevered weatherman will tell you the afternoon may reach 70, and you boldly walk out of your overheated apartment in the morning to find a 40 degree morning awaits you as you haul brazenly to the subway, teeth-chattering, “I’m not cold.” Yes, NYC teases its inhabitants with spring, carries you along like a mouse timidly following a cheese trail, only to round the bend into a ginormous winter snow-storm trap.
This morning is one of these days. The sky is a pale blue. The cherry trees are in full bloom, the blossoms dusting the bare circles under their trees leaving delicate pink circular carpets in the parks. New Yorkers have abandoned their coats at home and are bracing the chilling 45 degree walk to work in hope of the promise for a 65 degree afternoon. I guarantee you lunch spots will put out tables and locals will pack the outdoor seats wrapped up in scarves, pulling lapels tight, pretending they’re actually warm and enjoying as much of the “fresh” air as possible. Spring in NYC — it’s filled with hope. It’s a promise of what’s to come. It’s a rebirth from the cold of winter into the warmth of what’s yet to come. It’s filled with foggy mornings where you can just barely make out the top of the skyscrapper you know is there, but you can’t yet see. It’s a fantastic metaphore for life .. inspiring and exciting. And so worthy of praise and recognition before it slips into summer (and we complain about the heat).
I hope to add some pictures of spring in NYC. It’s really breathtaking to see nature spring up in the midst of one of the world’s most advanced, cement cities.
All posts
You need to “retire” from IBM and take up writing! What wonderful, accurate descriptions of Spring. Yes, it has been lovely here in NC; and yes, now the cars are all green with pollen. But it is beautiful, especially since we have gotten enough rain to alleviate the worst drought on record!
Mom R.
YAY Rain!! I do love that bizarre pollen time in North Carolina. When I first moved there I called my mom in shock and horror because I thought someone had clapped their chalkboard erasers on my front door! I’ve never seen pollen like that!
There are Bradford Pear trees in NYC though, and there is a fine, visible pollen dust here. My car and our apartment’s nooks and crannies can definitely attest to that!
what a beautiful description of spring in NYC. That’s exactly how I experienced it when I was there earlier this month. Didn’t really want to go back to Germany, where it’s often gray and rainy this time of year…
you totally captured it exactly.
Yup, Spring has sprung here in NC. The colored cars have got a green tinge to it. We are patiently awaiting the next gentle rain to clear the air. The weather is so nice here one can go outside in the sun and pull a Garfield ;>}