The Madness of March

How do you feel about the month of March? Is it all about Saint Patrick's Day and green beer? Here in Rhode Island, Saint Joseph's Day (the 19th) is nearly as popular, mostly for the zeppoles.My father-in-law, and now my husband, hate the month of March. Both believe that nothing good comes during the month. My husband's father's father died on March 18, 1968. His wife, my husband's mother, died on the same day in 1993. My father-in-law's birthday is March 6, but he doesn't want to celebrate anymore, and presently we are awaiting the results of some medical tests that could hold good (whew) or difficult news. Since the results will be revealed in March, both men in my life are convinced the news will be bad.I've never looked at March that way. March means spring in the northern hemisphere, and even though we may have a last burst of winter in March, snow that falls and sticks to the grass won't last. The days are longer - Daylight Saving Time in the United States begins at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 10 this year! Here are some of the other, positive aspects of the month of March:

• It's International Francophone Month and International Francophone Day on March 22 (égalité, complémentarité, solidarité)
• March 2 is National Reading Day (I have a suggestion!)
• March 14 is Save a Spider Day (I know, my initial reaction is to stomp, too, but if I find one that day, I'll be kind)
• The only day in the calendar that's also a command (think about it)*
• It's March Madness, baby! The Big Dance for college basketball (men and women), the annual pool (money, no-money), single elimination, and Cinderella stories.
• Passover begins on March 26th, a festival of liberation and unleavened bread.
• Easter this year is March 31st - joy and hope and promise. And Dove dark chocolate eggs.

I hope March is a happy and healthy transition month for all of you. Spring is on the way!*March Fourth :-)