Again, the Albert Lea area has weathered another winter. This time it came with snow cover for the duration of the season. It was among the snowiest winters on record. This winter was more wintry than most.

So if you dwelled here in the Albert Lea area through the winter, pat yourself on the back. You made it. Count yourself among the hearty types. Be proud to be a true Minnesotan, unlike those thin-skinned snowbirds.

If you made it through the winter without an automobile collision, give yourself another pat on the back. Not only does your insurance company thank you, so do your passengers. Count yourself among the safe drivers.

If you made it through the winter without breaking your New Year&8217;s resolutions, give yourself another pat on the back. If you broke your resolutions, try again starting today. If you didn&8217;t make resolutions, give the people who did pats on the back.

If you made it through the winter with a little extra weight around the middle, well, you don&8217;t get another pat on the back, but you do get no more excuses to get out there and exercise. Spring is here. It&8217;s time once again to see people walking, strolling, jogging, running and cycling hither and thither, to and fro around the local lakes.