MARCH

It's March. A few things happen this month.
Most notably for me is March 1st. Meteorological Spring occurred on that date.
The date we usually associate with Spring is March 20.
For those that are fascinated with weather March 1st is more important.

March is known as a windy month. She is proving that today here in N.E. PA.
The gusts have been constant.

Early next Sunday morning, at 2 AM, Eastern Daylight Time arrives.
I gladly forego and hour of sleep for an extra hour of daylight.

March can also be a fickle month. Warm one day and a blizzard the next. When that happens, the snow doesn't last very long and that is a good thing.
Because this winter has been so mild, the daffodils are already popped through the surface in the city. Here, in the rural areas, it will take a bit longer.

There have been reports of huge flocks of geese flying north, and robins have been spotted as well.

Next weekend, St. Patrick's Day Parades will take place in Scranton and Wilkes Barre. These are always a big hit and well attended, no matter the weather.

This area of PA has a rich Irish heritage. Many Irish immigrants settled here. They came to work in the coal mines, along with the Welsh and English, and many other nationalities.

Hard working, loyal, patriotic, religious, family centered people, they believed in America and were grateful to have a new life here.

My great-grandparents came here from England and Switzerland. They brought their families and settled in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
I often wish I'd been able to talk with them about their homeland, but they passed on before I was born.

Unfortunately, March has proven to be deadly for residents in the Midwest and South, where tornadoes have pummeled those areas for several days.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones and property the last few days and pray the weather will calm down.

So as the month progresses, enjoy each day for what it brings. Hopefully it will be mostly sunshine in one form or another.

St. Patrick's Day is also known for corned beef and cabbage. Now that is something to look forward to, my mouth is watering already.