It's easy to tell people to chillax in the middle of January when a foot of snow falls on Milwaukee.

It's harder to say that again with a straight face on March 21.

But given that the only option is to move, you've got to keep a good attitude when a spring storm dumps a thawing city right back to Christmas.

I know I did, though in honesty, it's probably because I'm going to Phoenix tomorrow to meet up with a group that's already there -- and is having fun taunting me from the outfield berm at Maryvale Baseball Park.

But you know how it is, the last work day before you head out of town: I barely looked out the window until I shut down the computer. The last thing I did was burn a CD of my annual "AZ" mix, good-timey tunes that remind us of 10 years of Spring Traning and subsequent side trips to Mexico. When I stepping out of the office, I was stunned to see the snow that had fallen in the last several hours.

Which is why I could nothing but smile as I slid all over Milwaukee's side streets and Hoan Bridge, as I cranked "Now It's On" by Grandaddy and the ridiculously corny "Arizona" by Paul Revere and the Raiders.

My smile barely worn off, even while I fired up the snowblower and spent 90 minutes manhandling that underpowered beast through my alley and sidewalks.

I'd like to think even if I wasn't heading somewhere 50 degrees warmer tomorrow, where sand replaces snow, I'd have this attitude. This weather is totally ridiculous, but you know winter is dropping its grand finale load.

When I get back on Wednesday night, I have a feeling the snow will be mostly gone. And those little green stalks poking up in my garden will be a little taller.

Spring has already sprung in Phoenix, but in Milwaukee, its right around the corner.