The moisture is finally coming back to Michigan.

A few years ago, a relative from California visited us in Michigan during the summertime. She had never been to Michigan before, and she remarked that it is “tropical.” At the time, I didn’t understand. Being at the northern border of the United States, we have relatively harsh winters. The cold kills the vegetation and saps the moisture from the air.

Then, I visited California for the first time. On the flight home, I understood. Passing over Michigan’s forests, I realized how green they were. They were a solid blanket of leaves.

After a particularly snowy winter, Michigan is thawing. Temperatures are climbing. Finally, instead of snow and freezing rain, spring rain is falling. The trees are budding. Soon, we’ll have leaves and flowers.