It may be December 2 but it felt more like late September in central Missouri today. Since we just returned from South Florida, the mild conditions were gentle on the mind and body, easing us back into our life in the Temperate Zone. Perhaps most importantly, it made the task of putting up our Christmas lights (my least favorite chore of the year), much more tolerable.
Unfortunately, as pleasant as this weather may be, our region does not need another warm, dry winter. Coming on the heels of a prolonged drought and intense summer heat, there is hope that this season will turn the tide, bringing heavy precipitation (rain or snow...we'll take both) to revive the parched landscape and recharge our streams and reservoirs. We're dreaming of a white Christmas, January and February!
It is thus alarming to have afternoon highs topping out near 70 degrees F as the first calendar month of winter begins; for now, the La Nina has yet to retreat. While I am not a fan of mysticism, I decided to fill our backyard feeders today; akin to stocking up on firewood, perhaps that seasonal ritual will usher in some cold, snowy weather for the Heartland.
