The upstate New York winter has beaten me. The ragged remnants of my good humor have disintegrated in the face of constant snow-filled clouds and a climate bested this year by even Cleveland and Pittsburgh, two former residences.

Under trying conditions, including brutal temperatures and icy walking paths, still I've endeavored to keep up my 10,000 paces a day. I've trod the Cooperstown Central Schools hallways and the Clark Sports Center track. I've bundled up and invested in snowshoes to take on nature at her wintry best.

I relied on my faithful treadmill to make the goal when I just couldn't look at another gray sky or risk another slick pavement. On bright summer days, 10,000 or even 15,000 steps daily is no great effort and keeping pounds off is much easier. Winter demands a more dedicated approach.

According to my calendar it is April. April, when the sun finally feels warm and house exteriors are painted and ice-damaged gutters repaired.

According to my body rhythms, by this time of year I should be walking under a clear sky, with boughs softly greening overhead, keeping pace to birdsong, with the redolence of warming earth rising.

Not exactly the reality, as I awoke yet again to the grating snow plow clearing my drive one more time.

Over the weekend, just to add another insult to this offensive winter, the ice storm knocked out my electricity, denying me even my treadmill.

Granted, I'm not accustomed to Upstate New York winters, and long-time Otsego county residents tell me that this is the worst in 30 years. I am a native of Missouri and, aside from my considerable appreciation of catfish and cornbread, I've never considered myself a Southerner, though some easterners do. Relatively speaking, however, Missouri might as well be Alabama when it comes to breaking out of this winter's grip. My mother's calls from the Midwest reporting blooming daffodils and servicing the car's air conditioner are cold comfort when I'm stopping at Bruce Hall's for yet another bag of ice melt in April.

April! It's April, for pity's sake. We've paid our dues, served our time and done our penance. Winter has made its point many times over.

Even a fan of the season would agree that Jack Frost has worn out his welcome. It's time ol' Jack took a hike so the rest of us can enjoy a pleasant walk.

Brenda Berstler is founder of The Walking Example Group (WEGO).