my instruments for gauging the duration and intensity of this winter are very scientific, complex, and well educated...
i like to wear sandals. indeed, i put them on as soon as my little toes can bear the pre-spring air without falling off. in previous years, the sandals have come out earlier. spring 2000 they debuted on february 14, on the day of sandal love. spring 2001 the sandals appeared on my feet at roughly the same time, mid february. spring 2002, the sandals, now upgraded to the best sandals ever came out in late january. therefor, through my astute calculations, i can determine that this year's winter was longer and colder and weter and snowier than usual because the sandals did not go on until march 18. wow, that's a long winter for my toes.