March
Now that Spring has officially "sprung," you could make a long list of some things you associate with what many call the best season of the year. Is it the 'chirping' of frogs, the warmth of the sun(yes, that is the title of a terrific Beach Boys'song!), or maybe absence of numbing cold air in the morning when you go outside to retrieve the local newspaper, which, despite the plastic wrapping, opens at least partially wet from the night's spring rain.
Some people of a certain age find themselves drawn back to the Olympic Peninsula and other locations in the Pacific Northwest at this time of year. Discarding the warm but dusty places in the South or Southwest for the green trees and lawns around here, they are tanned and ready for months of fishing, hiking,or the simple joy of lawn-mowing and all the various forms of yardwork. After a few weeks they likely wonder why they left in the first place.
And what about those 'chirping' frogs and the other soothing sounds from this area during the Spring months? Sure, birds sing in other parts of the country at this time of year, but they don't sound as thrilled and happy with the new season as do the Robins and Sparrows in our town. But pleasing sound of Spring are not limited to the natural world. There are very small, motorized vehicles blaring tinny instrumental children's songs through neighborhoods on the occasional sunny days.
A day is a only day after all, but a Spring day is longer lasting and not only because of Daylight Savings Time. Playing hours, unlike library hours, are extended. That means time for neighborhood fun after dinner and homework are finished such as walking dogs, gardening, riding bikes or horses, or even a few extra jumps on a trampoline.
Did someone just mention food? Of course they did, and if barbecues and springtime don't go together then the world has changed way too fast. Watermelon, corn, Brussel sprouts,lettuce, onions take on new meaning this time of year and the expanded opportunities for exercise as noted above allow us to eat possibly just a bit more without cause for worry. (now write a 'strong ending' for this essay)
