Get Over The Hump This Winter

Right around this time of year, we suffer. We suffer because the major winter holidays are over, but winter is not. When we refer to Christmas, we have to say “last Christmas . . .” and looking forward to Easter isn’t as fun, because it’s too cold to envision searching through bushes for brightly colored eggs and chocolate rabbits. So, here we are, in the throes of hump season; an entire month of Wednesdays.

How can we make summer come sooner? If not full-blown summer, then at least spring with its warm days and crisp nights. Punxsutawney Phil says winter will be over soon. But When? When?

Right now. Yep, that’s right folks. Today is the last day of winter. Tomorrow will be July! Perhaps not according to the calendar, but work with me here . . .

The first thing you have to do to feel like it’s summer is dress like it. Throw down your sweaters, laugh and point at your mittens and grab the nearest pair of flip flops and a t-shirt. Who’s to know, right? Crank up the heat, blast the Beach Boys, and grab a cold one from the fridge.

Doesn’t it feel like summer already? What more can we do, let’s see . . . Try calling someone you know who works for the government. They definitely won’t be in the office if it’s summer. Go to a movie! With kids out of school, movie theaters are always conquered by teenagers from June through August. Try going camping at a national park. Good luck getting a camp site though; a good park is always full, especially on a holiday weekend.

Well, this isn’t looking very good. Summer’s not so great after all. People you need are away, and leisure activities get sucked up by teens and RVs.

But wait!

The surest sign of all that summer is here has yet to be explored. Head down to your local pub, and perch yourself on the patio; don’t worry that you’re still in your Hawaiian-print shorts. Order a nice, cold pint and wait for it. Wait a minute or two until you feel the glorious heat from the patio heater blowing your way. The only thing that’s still cold is your frosty, delicious beer. Now that’s summer.

The suffering has ended. No more hump month. Everyday is Saturday during the summer, and summer never goes away if you’re on a patio with a beer. Everybody knows that!