I have been watching this marvel of nature unfold from right here for the last 38 years. It's spring! The ice will melt ever so slowly over the next couple weeks, and the anticipation of open water and boating and summer will spark pleasant thoughts second only to a young man's fancy of love.
During ice-out, rules are suspended for old guys with high blood pressure and diabetes, allowing them to wash down beef jerky and whoopie pies with a bottle of Shiraz, followed by the smoking of a good Cuban cigar while admiring the graceful gulls squawking and gliding overhead, as baby back ribs smolder and smoke on the barbeque.
The contentment is exquisite.