March marches on!

The Farmers' Almanac, my go-to weather forecast source, says that after the polar vortex has its way with us at the beginning of March, we should enjoy some very mild weather.  But beware the Ides of March, and be prepared for a return of wintry weather for the end of the month.  After coming in like a lion and playing a like frolicking lamb, March may play with us some more by going out like a lion, albeit a messy winter lion vs a roaring polar vortex lion.
 
Up at Topsmead, the state of the driveway echoed March's frivolous weather swings.  First, it was covered with snow; then with solid ice.  Then seriously soft mud with deep ruts necessitated the closing of the driveway. After a few days of warmer temps and blowing wind, the driveway was once again safe for cars.  According to The Farmers' Almanac, this weather pattern will continue as we move through March, so keep your eyes on the Friends of Topsmead Facebook page for driveway notifications and updates.
 
No wonder Miss Edith, Lucy, and Mary waited until after March to return to their beloved Topsmead from their winter home at 33 Church Street, Waterbury, but we Topsmead lovers don't have to wait.  We just have to make the right apparel choices for our Topsmead outings: to-layer-or-not-to-layer (long underwear, puffy parkas, down vests, mittens, fleece hats), the appropriate footgear (woolen socks, boots, snowshoes, cross country skis), and weather-proof outfits, if needed for our canine companions. 
 
Even if we are stuck inside during the long, not-winter-not-spring month of March, there is something for everyone to celebrate to help it march along.  For starters, we have Women's History Month, Social Work Month, and Irish Heritage Month.  For those who eat when they are housebound, there are options to celebrate with food.  The first Tuesday of the month is Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday.  St. Patrick's Day on the 17th celebrates the patron saint of Ireland and awaits your corned beef and cabbage and Irish shortbread. Math nerds and pie bakers celebrate National Pi Day on the 14th because 3 1, and 4 are the first three significant figures of π. 
 
March offers us two calendar events to help lighten our winter-laden spirits. On the 10th, late sleepers will welcome the darker mornings and hikers will relish the lighter afternoons as clocks spring forward for Daylight Savings.  On the 19th, the vernal equinox with its equal hours of daylight and dark will be the harbinger of longer hours of daylight and the astronomical beginning of spring.
 
Just as the weather is unsettled and the landscape at Topsmead is topsy-turvy, so are the national and international moods unsettled and topsy-turvy; however, take comfort in knowing that we can make choices to improve our spirits and that spring will come to Topsmead.

Margaret Hunt
BlogMistress