Winter is officially over.

Now, I know that, technically, spring doesn't arrive until March. But here in South Florida, we don't follow the same seasonal patterns that the rest of the nation does.

For instance, this week, we went from fall to winter to spring in a matter of days. I was as shocked as anyone when the temperature plummeted 40 degrees overnight, but I was thrilled that I'd finally be able to dip into my extensive winter wardrobe. (I also work in an office where the temperature, most days, makes it feel like a meat locker, so it was great to know it would actually be colder outside than inside.)

Two weeks ago, when I felt a slight chill in the air, I went inside to change into warmer attire: I traded in a short-sleeved shirt for a top with three-quarter sleeves. This week, I bundled a sweater on top of a sweater on top of a shirt. How wonderful it felt to layer it all on!

But, as the saying goes: All good things must come to an end. And I fear this is it for our brief cold snap. Sure, I could always turn up the air conditioning at home and in the car. Of course, there's still the workplace. But what fun is it to walk to the car in the morning all bundled up when it's 80 degrees outside? Not much, I tell you.

And so, just four days into the new year, I raise my glass to toast the prematurely departed winter: May you come again soon; perhaps in December next time.