Are You Ready for the Lion?
They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Well, we’re far enough north that “spring” in Wisconsin is more suggestion than actual fact. Up here, March tends to come in more like a slightly surly housecat and go out like a lion whose co-worker ate the slice of pie he had in the office fridge last month and he hasn’t forgotten. We’re looking at YOU, Ryan.
But as the days continue to get longer and brighter, we’re looking forward (with fingers crossed) to a spring — or whenever we’re out of the woods — filled with fun nights around the fire with good friends, lovely sunsets on quiet evenings, and MANY #5OClockHere get-togethers with co-workers at the corner bar (except for you, Ryan).
Even if large get-togethers aren’t happening for a while, think how sweet it will be when we finally make it through—the celebrations will be awesome!
So eyes on the prize, Wisconsinites! We can capture these moments even while there’s still snow on the ground and uncertainty in the air. Here are a few things you can do to stay active, keep busy, and help ease the countdown to warmer days…
Take a Walk
It might seem kind of basic, but it gets you moving, shakes the cobwebs out of your system, and you can do it by yourself. If you’ve got someone to walk with (at a good social distance), it gives you the chance to catch up without a lot of distractions. If you have a dog, treat ‘em to an extra few blocks. And when you get home, warm up by adding some Lone Duck Cinnamon Whiskey and Bailey’s Irish Cream to a cup of coffee.
Build a Birdhouse
Seriously! If you already took a walk, you might have heard a bunch of confused birds singing in the skeletal trees. You can find a birdhouse kit at any local hardware store (or, ideally, you can use wood you have at home and some online plans), and it’s something you can do in just a couple hours. Pour yourself a Riverbank and Coke, grab a hammer and screwdriver, and build a house for the chilly birds in your neighborhood. It’s also a good activity to do with kids, and they can have their own “Riverbank and Coke” using Dr. Pepper with some lime juice.
Join a Group
It might seem counterintuitive at the moment, but you can find online groups for whatever interests you have, either solo or social, and meet virtually for now. There’s definitely a group out there for you! Search Facebook groups, ask friends, or check your town’s local calendar (the library should have one posted) to see who’s doing what in your community. They’ll have plenty of ideas for activities, and they might even need a hand planning new (and rescheduled) events. It’s a great way to find like-minded people!
More than anything: Don’t let the Ryans of the world get you down! Stay active. Stay curious. Stay healthy. March will (eventually) go out and when it does, we’ll get some April showers, and then May flowers! Too bad here in Wisconsin April showers are usually made of snow.