By Joe Walker

Has Michigan ever been Spring-loaded?

Some days it feels like it will never stop snowing here, even being so close to Spring. I used to like the snow; I used to think highly of Michigan Spring, but that all changed one May morning a few-and-more years ago.

I was working as a customer service representative for a video retail chain the day my opinion changed. I opened every morning, which meant I had to be there by 9:00AM. I didn't own a car yet so I walked to work - no matter the weather. After enduring sub-zero temperatures during my winter strolls, a morning Spring walk felt like being re-born. Everything was new again, so I thought. Programmed by what's supposed to be the season of re-growth, I never really paid attention to my surroundings - until this particular morning

After my alarm clock went off and I got out of bed, I opened my window blinds and … it was snowing - HEAVILY!

Following my shock and spouting a series of expletives, I prepared myself to leave. Once outside and on the move I notice the trees were still bare. Well, they were clothed in snow, but no leaves were underneath. Every thing was still dull. Then I remembered all the cold days we'd had up to this point - from the first day of Spring to then. March: cold; April: cold; first week of May: still cold. There were days of sunshine, but it would still be cold. I stopped in McDonald's for hot chocolate and heard numerous people say, “How about this Michigan weather? I thought it was supposed to be Spring. This is a surprise, huh?” Then they'd laugh. People with cars have a unique sense of humor. Driving only my Timberland boots, I didn't find it funny at all. A surprise? Someone covered in green body paint jumping out of your birthday cake: that's a surprise.

So here we are in March still shoveling and putting down salt. Spring is but a few weeks away, and I can't wait until June!

New Resolution #5: Don't put away your winter gear just yet.