It’s mid-February, in south-central PA.

The migratory, Snowgeese, and tundra swans that arrive each March have been here for three weeks already.

Many springtime song birds have returned. I’m listening to a mourning dove as I sit in my yard typing this. A fly buzzes by.

It’s sunny and 59°

The historical average temperature for today is 40. 

Things like this are not unique anymore .

It hasn’t snowed more than a few inches here for two winters.

The forecasted temperatures for the next two weeks are all well above normal. 

January was the same. Winter punctuated it with some stinging cold, but for the most part it’s been mild.

Again.

I may be over-focused on my area. I know it’s been cold and snowing throughout a large portion of the country this summer. 

But I also know that each year that passes feels a step further away from the seasons I remember as a kid. 

Less snow. 

Inconsistent, roller coaster temperatures .

Earlier blooms. 

Later fall colors. 

The things that seemed etched in stone are not. 

They are changing and moving. 

Why? Whose fault? 

I think we know these answers.

Can we do anything to right the ship?

Do we care enough to try? 

For more RebEarth articles and a variety of other stories, visit Five O’Clock Shadow, a magazine style blog by Todd Fulginiti.  Todd is also a staff writer at Wise & Shine Magazine. For Todd’s musical activities visit www.toddfulginiti.com