Almost Spring Again
Did you know that it is almost baseball season? Across the country everyone from little leaguers to MLB All-stars are gearing up for spring. So what does this mean for everyone else? First it means that winter is just about over and spring is on the horizon. Sure, it might snow once or twice more but the days begin to feel warmer and longer. We all get excited for the prospect of an early spring and summer, but we must remember to be ready for the change in climate.
Rain is the Worst
We all complain about the snow, but in reality driving in the rain can be more dangerous. We are more likely to hydroplane out of control on water then think layers of snow. Additionally, rain typically falls at a fast velocity then snow resulting in more distracting impacts when it hits our windshields. Driving at night can be made exponentially difficult when rain water reflects street lamps and headlights. The glare at times can be overwhelming. Both conditions can be hazardous to drive in, just in different ways and we must prepare ourselves for the change in conditions. The first thing we should do is check our windshield wiper blades. Ice buildup could have caused damaged making them less efficient in the rain. Furthermore, we need to inspect our tires to ensure there is enough tread left on them to perform properly in the rain. Finally, we should change our oil and give our vehicle a tune up. Regular maintenance makes our cars safer and will extend their life. Doing it every spring can only ensure we have a hassle free commute during the spring and summer months.
Yard Work
It is the time of year when it becomes obvious who prepared their yard for winter and who did not. As snow melts and grass starts to grow, some homes have a green and healthy yard while others are still covered in long dead leaves. There is no need for concern if proper fall and winter clean up was not performed. There is always a way to catch up. It would be easier to start with a clean slate but when it is not possible, we must be willing to do some hard labor. Step one would be to clear the yard of all debris. This could be left over fall leaves, random tree branches that have fallen, or even trash that someone did not dispose of properly. After that we need to inspect the property for any water issues, dead spots, or sink holes. Once we identify these we must come up with the proper solutions. After this we simply need to plant some new grass or provide some type of lawn treatment. This depends on each yards situation; there is no correct answer for every yard. Once this is done, we simply maintain and mow accordingly. This will ensure we are ready for all the backyard summer parties that are to come.
Spring Cleaning
Most of us do not realize how much clutter we accumulate during the winter. The extra sweaters and jackets eventually start to pile up and a mess forms over time. Spring cleaning time is when we go through our homes and fix these issues. In fact, we actually should be doing a whole lot more. The types of shoes we wear change, the style and number of layers of clothing we wear changes, and the weather challenges we face daily change. This change is likely where the idea of spring cleaning comes from. It is the time of year when we change our closets to lighter attire; we clean off our grills to prepare for outdoor cooking and put away the snow shovel and replace it with a garden shovel. Additionally, these habits serve as a catalyst to motivate ourselves to do more. Since we are moving things around, we might as well vacuum and dust as well. We can go through our things and get rid of items we no longer need. Our junk can be valuable to someone else, so remember to donate to charity. So think of spring cleaning as a positive thing. We help others through donation, we help ourselves through organization, and we help our community by maintaining our homes and yards.
Plan a Break
The term spring break is usually associated with college drinking parties at the beach; however, there is so much more to the term. It is simply a life break that happens in the spring and we should all plan some sort of break. It doesn’t have to be a long exotic vacation either, it can be a long weekend spent at home. What matters most is we take a break from the stress of our normal lives. Schools have a spring break period to let families spend time together and we can do the same. So plan a special weekend or take a day off for an adventure. Use spring as an excuse to live life a little bit and remember to make some last memories. Finally, if you can swing a trip, remember a beach is always a great place to be.
Seasons change and that is a wonderful thing. It ensures we have reasons to change our habits and take a small break. We get some sunshine after a long winter and prepare for the warmth that lies ahead. Just remember, to be prepared and be ready to tackle the new challenges that come with the new season.