First Outdoor Happy Hour of the Year

Forsythia in February

It is February, I had to remind myself of that simple fact because yesterday was an incredibly mild and enjoyable day. I scheduled a day off for myself to recoup from the Super Bowl and I was able to take full advantage of the great day. The high topped out at 62 degrees! It was fabulous. 

February Happy Hour

While walking Makayla last evening, I  noticed some forsythia that had become confused about the month being February and not March. They were in bloom already in anticipation of the early Spring that Punxsutawney Phil did NOT forecast. 

Chris and I were able to enjoy happy hour on the back deck with the fire table providing the required amount of additional warmth as we watched the sun slip down behind the horizon. The sky was clear and one star appeared early and I watched a number of contrails pass across in front of its light, blown by the stratospheric winds. 

It was hard to believe that it is currently mid-Winter. But, I am enjoying the respite from the cold. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD