Third spring, twice removed

Spring poked its head in the door on Monday like some shirt-tail relative invited to the family reunion.

Here in Wisconsin, we eyed her up cautiously. We saw features we recognize, but we couldn’t quite place this odd, though perfectly pleasant, weather.

Still, we waved her in.

Sixty-five degrees on a single digit day in March? Plop yourself down right next to me and tell us a little more about yourself.

She charmed us with her breezy manner. We courted her and, frankly, we had a ball.

Drawn to her sunny disposition, neighbors and friends ambled over to say hello. Dogs lingered and babies smiled from their strollers.

We took our dinner plates outside and enjoyed the rare opportunity to dine al fresco in Wisconsin in March.

Then, I heard someone say spring lit up every room she entered and I knew she was not long for this world.

A cold wind blew in and we shivered as we watched the third surprise spring of 2026 make her way to the door.

The rain quickly followed.

Soon after, a slushy mix threatened to erase all signs of her.

But, we knew spring had been right here in Wisconsin.

And we know she’ll be back.