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A Winter Wonderland Fit for A Stroll Around Centennial Park

What do you do if "cabin fever" is your diagnosis? Some locals wrote themselves a natural prescription for crisp fresh air.

It’s been so cold that the wildlife has been scarce in these parts.

We’ve had snow, ice and wind every week since Christmas. The nights have been so cold that the night sky covered in twinkling stars looked like a scene from a snow globe.

So, in times like this, some people opt for the mid-winter extended weekend “vacay” to the Bahamas, Key West, Bermuda or any destination where the gauge points to warm and hot. Some choose to take a short ski getaway, and others wait for a day when the weather reaches a balmy 40 degrees so  they can head to the nearby park or lake.

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Isn’t it funny that at this time of year 40 degrees and above feels like spring? And, if the temps drop to 40 degrees in the early fall, we feel like we’ve been thrown in one of those walk-in freezers – just like the one in the episode of “I Love Lucy” where Lucy was trapped in the gigantic freezer.

For a few moments, I wasn’t too sure about this "cabin fever" prescription because I LOVE spring and summer. Who can resist the warm breezes and enchanting smells of flowers and blossoms? 

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Okay, enough of that – I’m back!

I decided to take a mini-stroll around Centennial Park yesterday to get some fresh air and feel the warm sun and really enjoy its golden rays … and yes, they were really golden.

Although thin blankets of snow still cover the grass, the pavement and the trails were clear and there were many spots where the grass had escaped snow cover and a patch of green was visible.

This was the scene and setting for the locals who weren’t at BWI Marshall Airport sighing at TSA checkpoints and waiting to board a flight to anywhere with a 75 degree temperature reading or higher. I saw many “outdoorists” walking the paths.

I saw one unknown gentleman "outdoorist" get out of his truck. He smiled and I said, “Getting some air?”

He replied, “Nope – I’m going fishing.”

Yes – he said fishing! I could NOT believe it – different appeasements for different people. My brain kept telling the rest of me, “If I stop for too long, I’ll start to freeze.” I had to keep moving otherwise this would be a very short trip to Centennial. 

“As long as I get to fish…," said the gentleman.

I must admit that the weather felt nice that day and there wasn’t an artic wind of any sorts. You know the strength of wind that you feel on your back that later turns into more of a slap and shove because it’s so strong and powerful. This is what people had been waitin'g for … a brief moment to go outside and breathe some fresh, crisp and clean air into their lungs and awaken their cardiovascular system.

I saw power walkers, runners and the stroll crew. Oh – and lets not forget a man and his dog! This was the best because the pooches were so happy to run around  it was like they were on a doggy day date. Their tails were wagging with pure satisfaction and happiness. 

Also, I saw a few photographers who were attempting to get that one nice shot of the feathered friends floating in the lake. They were the nosiest – and so fussy too!

Most times, an afternoon appointment with nature can be the right treatment for a simple or complex diagnosis of “cabin fever."  There is something to be said about being outside in any season. It can be a quieting and lone moment when you experience solitude in a crowd.

I simply love it! I get some of my best ideas and "light bulb" moments at the park or lake. It's something about the sun -- can't quite explain it.

Your thoughts become clear and your entire being gets a kick of new and fresh energy.

Organic and natural prescriptions are always the best treatments for “cabin fever."

That being said and before another blast of frigid air and whipping wind descends upon us or another snowstorm blankets the ground, take a winter stroll and a deep breath.

Oh … don’t forget your iPod touch loaded with your favorite tunes!

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