We are waiting for the sun to come out.
March is a funny month in Wisconsin. At first, you're thrilled with its appearance. Remember those bitter cold days of January? February? We've turned the corner! We focus on spring. It's 42F (5.5C)! Amazing!
Inevitably, the burst of euphoria dissipates and restlessness sets in. Why is it still so cold? Oh no! We're up to only 40F (4.5C) today. Why is everything still so brown out there?
And where is the sunshine??
On balance, March is not a popular month. We forget about the lift it gave us and concentrate on its inadequacies.
Breakfast.
You could say that this is just a human foible. We are spoiled and we always long for something better, even if what we have is not so bad. In May we'll be complaining when a day registers "only" 60F (15C). But looking around for something better isn't all bad. What would you prefer -- complacency and acceptance, or restlessness and innovation?
We can't change the course of a weather front. But we can log onto the weather maps, note that sunshine is forthcoming, (indeed, this afternoon!) ...
... and go out and play when it is here.
The directive to stay home does not preclude outdoor adventures, so long as you avoid being around people. And believe me, there are no people, even on a Sunday, at a disc golf course on a mid-March afternoon.
In the evening, the young family comes over for dinner. We are, for now, an extended family cocoon. They'll isolate and work from home. The kids wont be in school (schools are closed). The risks of virus complications are small for them, but in this way, they're doing their bit to slow the spread. And of course, it buys them more grandma time. And a Sunday meal, outside their home, which is more than most can count on these days.
(treasured mango piece)
(equally treasured -- laughter)
I only wish I could see Primrose (and her parents!) right now. March may be the first month when I do not get to play with her in person. Whoever throws out disparaging words against technology, take note: Facetime for grandmas who live just a little too far away is like a cake delivered to your door again and again. With whipped cream and berries. And perhaps a slice of mango.
Stay well, stay happy!
March is a funny month in Wisconsin. At first, you're thrilled with its appearance. Remember those bitter cold days of January? February? We've turned the corner! We focus on spring. It's 42F (5.5C)! Amazing!
Inevitably, the burst of euphoria dissipates and restlessness sets in. Why is it still so cold? Oh no! We're up to only 40F (4.5C) today. Why is everything still so brown out there?
And where is the sunshine??
On balance, March is not a popular month. We forget about the lift it gave us and concentrate on its inadequacies.
Breakfast.
You could say that this is just a human foible. We are spoiled and we always long for something better, even if what we have is not so bad. In May we'll be complaining when a day registers "only" 60F (15C). But looking around for something better isn't all bad. What would you prefer -- complacency and acceptance, or restlessness and innovation?
We can't change the course of a weather front. But we can log onto the weather maps, note that sunshine is forthcoming, (indeed, this afternoon!) ...
... and go out and play when it is here.
The directive to stay home does not preclude outdoor adventures, so long as you avoid being around people. And believe me, there are no people, even on a Sunday, at a disc golf course on a mid-March afternoon.
In the evening, the young family comes over for dinner. We are, for now, an extended family cocoon. They'll isolate and work from home. The kids wont be in school (schools are closed). The risks of virus complications are small for them, but in this way, they're doing their bit to slow the spread. And of course, it buys them more grandma time. And a Sunday meal, outside their home, which is more than most can count on these days.
(treasured mango piece)
(equally treasured -- laughter)
I only wish I could see Primrose (and her parents!) right now. March may be the first month when I do not get to play with her in person. Whoever throws out disparaging words against technology, take note: Facetime for grandmas who live just a little too far away is like a cake delivered to your door again and again. With whipped cream and berries. And perhaps a slice of mango.
Stay well, stay happy!
