The description of homebody fits me to a “T” and during the Winter I’ve always enjoyed the quiet time that I garnered during a season when I never ventured out more than necessary. It was relaxing not to have to run out every day to work in the yard dealing with the seemingly endless tasks that occupy a gardener’s time during the growing season. Now the word “cocooning” is the more-modern term to label a person who enjoys staying hunkered down at home. I’ll bet that alot more people cocooned during the Winter of 2013-2014. Well, I was so ensconced in my humble abode that I was oblivious to the fact that all the snow disappeared, the sun was shining and here I was inside doing housework. I really need to quit using my peepers to peek out the peephole to see what’s happening outside, since unfortunately, though that miniaturized window to the world gives me the gist of what’s happening outside, the view is a bit distorted. It is easier than moving a series of rugs that are banked up in front of the door to keep the living room warm, or using both hands and all my might to raise the heavy metal roll-up shutters which remain closed all Winter to keep the house warm. Yesterday, I looked out mid-day and snow still and ice covered the driveway and most of the street. I never looked out again, but this morning when I suited up to go out and run the car … wow, what a difference a day makes. “Poof” the snow had vanished from everywhere except some traces on the lawn. The 50-degree temperature yesterday sure worked its magic and I wish it was here to stay. I hustled back into the house and laced up my walking shoes, the same pair which earlier in the week I had been prepared to mothball ‘til April, then strapped on my pedometer and I was on my way just minutes later. It was a little windy but it felt refreshing. I took the same route as I’ve gone the past few times which yielded another 2 ½ miles to my total. As I walked along in the rather dismal, gray morning, I decided that we Michiganders are similar to a butterfly – all cooped up indoors, and just when the time is right, we are wont to shed our dull and dowdy duds and emerge with energy and sans hat and heavy trappings. Only then, can we celebrate the ritual of a new season and adorn ourselves in brightly colored outerwear and bare heads, ready to soak up the warm sun. Similarly, a butterfly, just like this beautiful Red Admiral above which posed so prettily for me in my garden, emerges from its chrysalis very slowly then carefully spreads its wings and flies away to sip sweet nectar from blossoms. Soon, that beautiful butterfly will bask in the warm sun, ready to make our world a better place with its airy and light-as-a-feather powdered silk wings in colors so exquisite they take your breath away.