Now that any and all overnight freeze scares seem to be behind us, late last week I began what has become an annual tradition during Springtime in Roanoke. About this same time each year, and lasting a couple weeks or as much as a month or two, the period begins when my home thermostat basically goes into hibernation mode. No heating or air conditioning is necessary.

And, in-turn I open the windows to receive some all-natural fresh air.

By and large, Springtime days in Roanoke are quite mild with temperatures teetering from the 60s to the 70s. And similiarly, the Springtime nights are only slightly cooler and with a hint of briskness, but not cold.

This combination of comfortable day and night temperatures means just opening my bedroom window at night is all it takes. Essentially, the window becomes the thermostat as I decide how little or much to open it, letting come in just the right amount of a refreshing breeze.

I’ve always considered this time of the year as rather unique, and a compliment to the moderate temperatures (for each season) Roanoker’s experience all the time. Each year in the Valley we usually see some snow, are relatively good about safely maintaining the rain gauge, and then also have many days of pretty sunshine and warmth.

And, by August there will even likely have been a scorcher or two thrown in for good measure!