March Winds and Birthday Wishes: A Season of Contrasts

March sure has come roaring in as a lion this past week. We have had everything from beautiful weather to bone-chilling cold winds and some snow last Sunday night.

I have never liked the wind or, for that matter, heavy snow. It came from growing up in the nursery industry and knowing that a strong gust of wind can take out many greenhouses, as can heavy snow. I heard of one nurseryman who would curl up inside his closet just so he did not have to listen to the wind. I would pace all night long. I remember that loud crack when we lost three greenhouses in our backyard in 2006.

This past weekend, I kept thinking we were fine, with no greenhouses to blow away, but I still worried about other businesses and their greenhouses. During this storm, we were lucky as only part of the siding on our house flew off. Thankfully, my brother-in-law, Frank, used to put siding up and was able to get up there and fix it right up. He also said later that he was glad he did not do that anymore. I hope you all weathered the winds okay, as I know others have it much worse.

With the March winds, however, also come some wonderful things. Our Spring bulbs are popping up, the bluebirds are checking out their nesting areas, trees are budding up and starting to bloom, and for our family, four birthdays are coming up.

Today, marks the day God blessed us with our fantastic daughter Jaimie. She’s grown into an amazing wife and mother and is a dedicated teacher. Her children and her husband also have March birthdays, a month filled with celebrations and lots of cake!