Ode to March

(Emilie, this one's for you)

Oh, March. Poor March. You get such a bad rap. You are misunderstood by most, but not by me. Here are some of the things I love about you...


March is the month when the birds, fully emblazoned with optimism, begin to sing (even if it 35 degrees outside.)


March is when the sap begins to run in promise of yummy pancake and maple syrup breakfasts on a slow summer morning.


March is the month people start to come out of hibernation. Look around -they are everywhere- and not just at the mall. People are out walking, like for exercise.


March is when every drop of rain washes away a bit more of winter.


It is in March that you can rejoice in (feel jealous about) the southbound trips of all the people around you that have been to Florida, Jamaica or the Caribbean.

For the first time this year, March is the month when the clocks change and it is daylight during dinner!


March is when you feel the itch to clear cobwebs from corners, reorganize your kitchen shelves and fantasize about getting out your summer clothes and opening your windows (or is this April?)


March is when you make summer plans with your friends and decide on dates for camping trips (and if you're really organized- again a shout out to Emilie- actually make reservations.)


March is when we get our taxes done!! I met the deadline and our tax appointment is in the morning. No small feat.


March is a time of meteorological upset when you don't know if you will want a vest or a down parka to make a quick trip to the store. C'mon, embrace the variety friends!


March is the beginning of the Mud - a big deal when you are three. March is a good time to get some quiet time inside reading or working on photoalbums or winter projects that will get thrown aside in the hype of summer. (Or so I understand this can be done from people without small children.)


March is a good time to buy a house to rehab and get back on the market for the spring rush (a.k.a. to "flip.) We found the perfect house in Bangor that is going under contract for us to buy!


But mostly, March is the time when Mainers complain about the weather and you can just sit back and remember that every March looks like this, that every March someone, or everyone, complains and that every year Spring comes and we relish every tulip, every crocus and every blade of green grass because we EARNED it!