The Madness of March

March arrived like a lion; it is roaring now and then with a few cooler days here in the ‘Sunshine State’.  Up North, they are having a few days in the 40’s and 50’s in some areas.  But no doubt by month’s end, March will leave like a lamb, meek and quiet (or so we all hope). 

Most of us don’t actually think about March as being an exciting month.  Yet the month has quite a bit to offer.  Of course some of the offerings do depend on the part of the country where you reside (as I live in Florida we have a few offerings not many other places seem to have).  Some of us tend to see March as the third month of the year or the last month of the first quarter of the year.  A few years ago, I found out that March can be exciting if you just look at the big picture of things.  There are years that Palm Sunday and Easter fall within the month of March, but for this year they do not.

Spring break time arrives during March.  Sunny warm climates and sandy beaches entice those living in the frigid north states.  The young and old, come to Florida and other warm destinations for a week or two of rest from the harsh elements of winter.  We bid farewell to winter and a big welcome to spring in March.  We lie to rest woolen coats and sweaters in moth balled storage areas till the fall; and begin to wear light weight jackets when venturing outside.  We replaced the drab blacks, browns and dark colors and don brighter shades of clothing.  The clocks are turned ahead giving us more daylight.  Children return to outdoor activities, bike riding, rollerblading and playing ball.  Spring is celebrated by one and all.  Farmers begin to plow their fields and plant their crops.  Buds begin to appear on trees and birds take flight back north.  Snowbirds who spent the winter in Florida and other warmer climates begin to migrate home till the first leaf begins to fall from the trees.  March is here and so is the spring.

The boys of summer return to the diamond for spring training during March.  Both the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues ‘play ball’ looking for the best to play in the majors when opening day arrives. 

St. Patrick’s Day is a big holiday in March.  Everyone is Irish for a day.  Parades, parties, celebrations as most everyone wears something green.  Green beer flows from taps in pubs as chasers for shots of Irish whiskey. Corn beef or ham, cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots the traditional food for the day.

In Sebring, Florida, March is the month of ‘The 24 hours of Sebring’ a formula one type car race.  Fans flock to the track for fun, food, drink and watching the race. 

College hoops brings on ‘March Madness’ with the playoff games.  Sixty-eight teams begin play until it comes down to the”final four’.  These four teams will determine which two will play on for the championship.  Faithful fans all cheer for their favorite team with hopes they continue through to the final buzzer.

Let us not forget that Women’s History Month is also celebrated in March.

Thirty-one days filled with fun and history for all.

I like to celebrate the month of March, because it is means the end of winter; days are longer, weather getting warmer and of course being Irish, St. Patrick’s Day. 

Well until next time, enjoy the madness only March can provide.  As for me, I am still celebrating St. Patty’s Day while switching between channels as I watch some college hoops and a spring training game ….cheers.