This past while, we’ve been having more cool and cloudy days than usual for this time of year. May here is usually pretty warm and by this point in the month, it can get hot. This year is a completely different cat.

Temps of 8 – 10° C (46.4 – 50°F) are perfect power walking weather for me. I love it when the temperatures are right there in the early morning and then warm up as the day goes on.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case lately. The cool weather, frequent excessive rainfall, and still occasional snows (like last night!), make for unpleasant walking conditions. That said, outdoor walks are minor compared to the fact that our farmers are really struggling to get the crops in.

This morning’s temp will be almost at freezing, and with the snowfall overnight, it might be slick underfoot. If not that, it’ll definitely be slushy and messy. I’ll do my walk at the indoor track today and be thankful I have options to get my “work” done in agreeable conditions. Our farmers don’t have that option.

“…Farmers farm for the love of farming. They love to watch and nurture the growth of plants. They love to live in the presence of animals. They love to work outdoors. They love the weather, maybe even when it is making them miserable.”

Wendell Berry