I try to make the "until spring" number smaller by counting months. Its 5 months until March which is when things begin to peep out of the soil here in Z6a.
I get to January and realize he holidays have eaten up a big chunk of time I didnt notice.
This means Feb. which is short and shouldnt really count is all that stands between me and the first tulip tops and daffs,plus fuzzy emerging sedums etc.