Smalley already looking to spring

What is your favorite day of the year?

Recent skiffs of snow have re-kindled my thinking about the day of the year I anticipate the most.

Thanksgiving is a worthy candidate. Good food, family, games, lots of laughs. Even if the septic pump quits working.

As a kid, Christmas was at the top of my list. And when we had our own kids, it got even better.

But Christmas has fallen from its No. 1 spot.

Sorta same deal with birthdays. Awesome as a kid and still pretty special, if only for the survival aspect, but not No. 1.

Religious holidays are special. Hallmark holidays not so much.

New Year’s Eve and 4th of July more than likely have more than their share of idiots.

Made up your mind yet?

My Favorite Day of the Year is now the day I put away the snow shovels, ice-fishing rods, and wash the heavy Carhartt coveralls!

And have already forgotten where I stored my gloves.

Really, I still enjoy snow skiing, splitting a fair amount of firewood, and staring at a bobber in a hole in the ice.

Can’t say the same for 6 months of icy roads, driveways and sidewalks.

Anyway, putting away the snow shovels brings the hope of springtime in the Flathead.

Note: No need to get out the fly rods because I never put’em away!

Jerry Smalley’s Fishful Thinking column appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.