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AMY CALDER: Wind thwarts spring apparel

By Amy Calder acalder@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

I love spring. I like everything about it except I haven't the faintest idea what to wear when I go out in the morning.

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We went to Portland last weekend with friends, who invited us to go to the flower show there.

I knew the foray might include a stroll through the Old Port, perhaps some shopping, and lunch along the waterfront.

And of course, a fun-filled day with friends. How could I refuse?

The weatherman said the day would be in the 40s, sunny and warm -- and even Portland would miss yet another late-winter storm. So, instead of wearing my usual down-filled jacket, I donned a light shirt, cotton sweater and thin, knee-length black coat.

After all, I didn't want to look foolish, wearing a winter jacket in springtime.

It was fine until we parked on a side street and walked a quarter of a mile to the old shipyard where the flower show was.

The wind was wild, whipping down Commercial Street like a gale, sand swirling through the air and stinging us in the eyes. I pulled my meager collar up over my jowls, cursing the day I ever decided to part with my down jacket.

"This is brutal!" I declared, to no one in particular, as we tramped down the sidewalk.

Inside the flower show, it was warm and damp, with sun slanting through the old windows of the warehouse, belying the fact that the air outside was frightful.

The point is, every spring I forget that when March comes along with her enticing ways, she can be deceiving -- and unrelenting.

Invariably, I shed my winter clothes too soon. I wake in the sunny mornings thinking it's time to flesh out the summer wear and pack away the wool and fleece.

But I underestimate March's fury. She can court you lovingly to work in the morning with the sun on your face and send you staggering home at night with a stab of icy cold through your back.

And vice versa. Many a day I've worn two pairs of wool socks, boots, a fleece jersey and down coat with a hood, only to roast like a turkey.

On the other hand, when I under-dress from a momentary lapse of judgment, I find myself shivering all day long, fingers and toes frozen, never thawing out until I get home and throw on the layers.

They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb; well, I say she vacillates between lion and lamb all month long -- and sometimes, all day long.

Yes, our long-awaited spring can be wishy-washy until she finally decides to settle down.

I guess the best solution is to don layers. Then at least, you can peel them off and reapply as needed.

I wish I had been smart enough to think of that last Saturday.

We marched around the Old Port and later up and down Congress Street, huddled against the wind, teeth chattering, the chill piercing our bones like vicious swords.

Once in the car's back seat, I wished I had the fleece blanket I keep in my own car for just such emergencies.

I was certain I'd wake up the next day, nose running and throat sore, chest congested and head aching. After a winter of successfully avoiding illness, I was sure I'd be brought down as the result of a stupid and thoughtless decision to shed my winter coat.

But, much to my amazement, I was spared. After a long day of fun that ended with taking in a play at Bates College in Lewiston, we headed home.

Tired and chilled, I crawled into bed, dreaming of summer.

I awoke Sunday, none the worse for wear and without so much as a hint of a cold.

Armed against the wind, I ventured out again, but this time enveloped in my trusty down jacket.

When I saw my sister and told her about my frozen outing the day before, she reminded me that it is still winter after all, in case I had forgotten.

"It's only March!" she said.

Uh, yeah, I know. And happy spring to you, too.

Amy Calder has been a Morning Sentinel reporter 22 years. Her column appears here Saturdays. She may be reached at acalder@centralmaine.com