Moving to Wyoming from the higher elevations of Arizona didn’t require that we make too many adjustments to our regular routines. Yes, the winter was colder. Yes, it snowed more often. Yes, our heating bills have been higher. But all in all, we’ve all (including our dog Maddie) weathered it well.
There were two things, however, for which we were ill prepared. One was having to change time to Daylight Savings Time. We lived in Arizona for almost 30 years and didn’t have to do that in all that time. We became very accustomed to living on standard time and it was fine. More than fine actually. Sensible really. And yes that’s a negative comment on my part. I’m not sure I have adjusted to the time change even now about a month later.
The other thing was spring. I sometimes wonder if spring will every really come to Riverton, Wyoming. The people we’ve met who have lived here all their lives assure us that it will. They also say that it is a beautiful time of year. But we have yet to see it.
Yes, we had a warmish spell about a week ago. We could take walks without our jackets (never thought I would think that 38 degrees is warm). The bulbs in the yard are poking up through the ground. Birds are singing and building nests. But …
Two nights ago we had a huge snowstorm. It was the biggest amount of snow in a short time that we have experienced since moving here. I’d have to say that the winter weather in Riverton, which is situated in the Wind River Basin, has been pretty mild compared to other parts of Wyoming. But here we are in spring and we get the biggest snowfall yet since we moved here on December 2, 2020. It’s the middle of April for goodness sake.
Where we used to live is probably in the 70 degree range. The fruit trees have probably flowered and are leafing out. Tulips and daffodils and irises have certainly already bloomed and are on the wane. So far the trees here are hinting that they might start making leaves sometime soon. But they seem to be holding back despite the longer days and recent warmer temperatures.
But maybe this is it for now. Maybe this is winter’s last hurrah. As much as I like snow, I kind of hope so.
Don’t get me wrong. We love living here and don’t feel like moving back to Arizona at all.
Maddie's Mom Writes 