Teresa Holland
Just a month ago it seemed that winter just liked to tease us with an occasional warm day. Some days it seemed that spring would never arrive. Now finally warmer days are here with showy trees and flowers in full bloom. With the warm days there are almost too many things to do outside. Is that possible? Outdoor concerts will soon be starting up along with festivals, baseball games, more trips to the walking and biking trails, or going to the kid’s sports events.
The main thing is there are many opportunities to just get outside, breathe fresh air, and soak up some healthy sunshine. There is bound to be something for everyone in the family to get out, be together and just have fun.
When winter is done, we’re usually ready to change things up, set a different pace, experience and see new things. There are many events and activities that also are not hard on the budget. Many of them are discounted or even free. Are there really more things to do this year than in the past? Maybe it just seems that way after the thaw… or maybe we’re more ready than usual to just get outside and play.
Did you know there is a National Picnic Day on April 23? While this may be a good thing, one can’t help but wonder, why only one day? After all, a picnic can be fun on any day you want it to be. A picnic in a local park can be made even more interesting when you let every family member, even the youngest choose their favorite food item to bring. Of course, you might have to give up some control of healthy and balanced if you end up with grapes, pickles, and cupcakes. Maybe afterwards you go on a scavenger hunt with the kids on a short nature walk close by.
The nurseries and garden centers are already open and getting ready for their busiest time of the year. The last frost date this year for our area is April 26, according to The Old Farmers 2024 Almanac. However, it is Indiana, so you might have to adjust your dates a few days accordingly. But regardless, my flower and vegetable pots are ready for my very small bumper-crop garden. If you are new to gardening, a small “pizza garden” of tomatoes and basil is a good place to start. Of course, these can be used for more than pizza.
There are so many places to go and things to do. Oh, where to start? There are free programs at the library, the park, and other places around our county. There are bird-watching walks in the parks, new places to check out, and great discoveries to even take some new pictures. So, time to have fun, enjoy nature, and share some of your favorite activities with others. It is a wonderful time for getting out and making some new memories. As Robin Williams said, Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party.”
Teresa Holland is a guest columnist, writer, and retired advanced-practice registered nurse. Send comments to [email protected]
