Why is it that February is such a short month, but seems so long? Thank goodness it is so short, with all of this negative talk in the media and the cold weather here in New England, I must say having a dog this winter has been a blessing on so many levels.

I am forced to go out for multiple walks throughout the day and believe me, there are days when I haven't felt like it. The walks usually at Colt State Park give me a chance to smell the air, look at the birds and the trees and go beyond wishing for spring, but feeling it. There is nothing like the smell of a change of season. There is nothing like noticing the red blur on a tree and realizing it is the start of the buds getting ready for their reentry into our pretty world. It is in the calmness of nature that I am always humbled and brought back to earth from my busy life. Sometimes when I am walking, I have a reality moment where I can't remember the last time I took a few moments to be in the natural surroundings as opposed to my car. This always frightens me because as a person growing up in gorgeous New England, I never want to forget to notice what blessings are around us for free. In Bristol especially, there are self guided tree walks, there is our new and wonderful library, the Bristol Historical Society where they offer so many free or very inexpensive talks on past presidents like Lincoln today or George Washington or slavery and so many more. There is the Beehive Cafe on Franklin St. where you can get a great cup of coffee or tea and look out at the bay from their quaint and cozy upstairs loft. There is the bikepath and the parks. There is Roger Williams University where if you connect with them, there is an abundance of performances and guest speakers, authors and media personalities. Sometimes when I am at my computer checking out email and of course one of my new loves, Facebook, I have to remember to stop and my new dog, Frankie sitting anxiously at my feet, is usually there to remind me to do just that. So many people I come in contact with like to talk about the weather, I often wonder if people who have grown up in places like California do that where the weather for the most part is more consistent. I like the banter about the weather, the way New Englanders talk about it, both positively and negatively. I love that we have change of seasons as it forces us to take stock of what we have and usually makes us clean closets and get ready for something new approaching. Spring is in the air and no matter what the weather, there is a certain delicious smell that begs for attention. Get outside today and take a whiff, (yes even if it is cold and rainy) you will be glad you did.