Weekend weather just a tease of things to come

Mother Nature has been toying with us. The weekend was sunny and warm, a taste of spring just a few weeks after the Land of Cotton had been transformed into a frigid wasteland..

Temperatures soared on Saturday, helping melt away the winter blahs that had settled across the region. Bone chilling temps, ice, snow and freezing rain were, for the moment, fading memories.

Out and about with the lovely Miss Wendy, enjoying the afternoon sun that sparkled happily along the Chattahoochee, we were joined by an eclectic mix of folks as we sauntered along our favorite walking trail. There were young families with their young kids and children playing ball; runners, bikers and boaters; friends and, I imagine, lovers. Even the geese seemed a bit perkier, fluttering about with good cheer.

Sunday was just about the same, another day of warmth and mostly clear skies.

But it was all a tease. Monday broke gray and dismal, temperatures plunging into the high 30s, rising only slightly into the mid-40s by late afternoon. Tuesday was more of the same, including a fog that shrouded the region in a heavy blanket of mist.

Meteorologists were once again predicting gloom and doom, talking up a massive winter storm sweeping across the country’s heartland, expected to dump large amounts of snow over the Midwest and New England.

The good news is the Land of Cotton will only be feeling a slight chill from this frosty blow in coming days. No need to stock up on milk, bread and booze. That said, it might be helpful about now to remind ourselves of the promise offered up by Percy Bysshe Shelley in “Ode to the West Wind”.

All together now: "If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"

Wet, wild and fun in Roswell

Over the last two years or so, I've watched workmen putting together the pieces of a water park next to the walking trail I visit several times a week in Roswell near the Chattahoochee River. At first blush, I had no clue what they were building, but little by little their efforts began to take shape.

A year ago they opened the "Sprayground" and it seemed to be a huge success. Kids of all sizes, parents in tow, frolicked about the fountains, dashing and splashing and, well, getting wet and enjoying the experience.

It all seemed to be working, but then toward the end of last summer, the park was suddenly closed and the workmen returned. Again, I watched as they went about the business of re-inventing the area. And just last week, the playground reopened.

This time around, two huge covered areas dominate the area, a convenient place for parents to watch as their youngsters play. Also, a fence was added to the site -- always a good idea when water, slippery places and kids are part of the mix.

Sometimes government panels get it right, spending our money on projects that serve the community and make sense. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by Roswell's sprayground, dip your tootsies into one of the gushing fountains and I think you'll agree that this wet and wild place is a good idea.

FUN IN THE SUN: Sprayground attracts kids of all sizes to pubic park near the Chattahoochee in Roswell. Covered areas and safety fence have recently been added.