Basketball isn’t the only exciting and unpredictable thing that happens in March. Sometimes the weather can be just as uncertain as your NCAA tourney picks. March is maddness, but we can enjoy it by throwing a basketball watch party during the tournament. We have all the essentials you need to alt least make hosting predictable. Typically, when March arrives in the Carolinas, it means that spring is just around the corner. In the beginning of the month, lenten roses were in full bloom and highlighted the flowerbeds throughout the area. It’s always the first perennial to bloom and a symbol that warmer weather is headed our way. In the middle of the month, the daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are another promising sign that winter is drawing to a close. We anxiously await the return of the greenery. While other parts of the country are still dealing with winter weather, the Carolinas are looking good in the garden (and on the court). The leaves on the trees start to emerge and many other plants like forsythia, hostas, irises, azaleas and hydrangeas also begin to percolate. Gardeners in our zone (hardiness growing zone 7) watch the night time weather forecasts closely because temperatures can fluctuate greatly. It is not uncommon to have huge swings where the overnight temperatures fall below twenty five degrees causing heavy damage to most tender plants. The weather in March is fickle. Our temperatures are about as reliable as our NCAA bracket picks were this year. It’s not unusual to have daytime temps in the high seventies and then a cold snap where the temperature results in a hard freeze . When this happens, we interrupt the basketball watching frenzy, aka March Madness and head outside. We recruit our families to help us cover the tender plants with blankets and sheets to protect them from the frost. So whether you are an avid gardener, Chapel Hill or Duke fan, March in the Carolinas is madness!
Snow Chasers…
Skiing is a sport that doesn’t always come naturally to everyone, but with a bit of determination and practice, it can become a beloved winter activity. Many people don’t grow up skiing, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn to enjoy it later in life. For some, it takes a few tries before the thrill of downhill skiing really starts to take hold. Living in California for several years provided the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the sport. The abundance of ski resorts and the opportunity to practice regularly helped turn a basic understanding into a true passion. And like many who find themselves captivated by the slopes, skiing quickly became a favorite winter pastime. Having a supportive partner who grew up skiing certainly helped. With years of experience skiing in the Lake Tahoe area, my husband provided helpful instruction and also a sense of humor that made learning fun. That patience and encouragement not only improved my skills but have also been passed down to our children, who took to the sport like naturals. Today, skiing is a family affair, with one son who skied at the collegiate level and a daughter who excelled as a competitive downhill racer. It’s true that skiing can be an expensive sport, which might make it seem out of reach for some. However, there are many affordable ways to get started. ‘Learn to Ski’ packages offered by resorts provide an excellent entry point for beginners. These packages, often available for less than $30 per person, include rental equipment, lessons, and lift tickets. For families, it’s a wonderful way to introduce everyone to the sport without breaking the bank. Ski.com is a great resource for finding these beginner-friendly options. Family ski trips have become a cherished tradition, offering the chance to explore beautiful terrains and enjoy the breathtaking views that only the mountains can offer. Beyond the skiing itself, these trips are filled with new adventures and quality family time. Make sure you have the appropriate winter gear to stay warm. Exploring local activities and resort amenities together adds to the fun and creates memories that last a lifetime. Skiing may not be something everyone is born into, but with a little perseverance and the right support, you too may become a snow chaser. Then, this love can become a lifelong passion that brings joy, adventure, and cherished family moments.