Winter in Atlanta is Brief

Winter in Atlanta is brief enough. It's February 8 and already the temps have begun their climb to a balmy 60 degrees. In the early morning, it's down in the 30s but we who walk do not care. We know that by lunch, the coat can be left in the office and a quick trip in the car comes with an open window. There's a smell of damp summer camp in the air. No, nothing has begun to bloom. Those early buds, the Japanese magnolias are yawning and the Lenten roses are still tight as virgins, but it's only a matter of weeks.