I hate to brag, but I have the answer to everything you need in life. Okay, just one thing. But if you struggle with the month of March in Minnesota, this is the ONLY thing you ever need to know.
Let’s face it, March is a tough month. Sure, we brave ‘brisk’ walks in subzero temps, enjoy outdoor events on a sunny day in January or dive deep into the frozen lake for a cause (okay, maybe YOU, that is not a ‘we’). But we have a few snowfalls in March and our resilience fades a little. It’s too warm to have the fish house on the lake. Snowmobile trails look a little rough. And it will be a month before ice out, i.e., boating season. (Raise your hand if you have set out on your boat to break through the ice!)
I found the answer to surviving March exactly thirty years ago this month. I was working in downtown Minneapolis at the time and found myself roaming the skyways over my lunch hour. I admit my usually upbeat stride was a little slower on that day. That is, until I turned a corner and there in front of me was a stand filled with Tulips! I stood there in awe admiring these joyful, colorful bursts of happiness. I remember the vendor asking if I was alright! Yes! I replied! Fantastic! Immediately a light went on “I shall bring these to my friends! I shall share them with co-workers! I shall bring joy to all the land with this gold! And we shall call them FLOWERS!”
That may seem a little dramatic. But seriously, hasn’t the first sight of Spring brought you this type of delight? As though in an instant, all is well in the world. All because I saw a flower in the middle of the ‘should-be-Spring-but-is-not-Spring-yet” month of March!
I must admit that when considering a move to Minnesota, I never once factored in the weather. Nor was I aware that not each of the four seasons were, let’s say, equally distributed. Perhaps ignorance really is bliss?
My experience has served me well as a realtor. Our clients moving to Minnesota are grateful for any advice I can offer on how to survive Winters here. Though it may not work for everyone! I will never forget the call of desperation after a heavy, late season snowfall. Our client wanted to sell their home and move back to the warmer temps of Texas. When we asked their timing, they replied “As soon as we get the driveway plowed!”
I digress.
The first trick is to change your perspective of what Spring is. I remember telling my dad “It’s officially Spring here in Minnesota! The fish houses are off the lake and the local Dairy Queen is open!” I am certain he was a little worried about his Kristin that day!
I really follow my own advice! John took this photo of me 5+ years ago at an indoor garden show!
Additional tips other than blissful denial?
The most obvious is to plan a quick getaway trip to someplace warmer.
If a longer trip is not possible, book an overnight at a local hotel with a pool. As an added touch, put on sunscreen and sit poolside with your book. The scents and sounds are sure to help you drown out the snowplows!
Have a birthday party. If you are not actually a March baby, then pretend! Make a list of your favorite birthday things to do and treat yourself. (Honestly, this tip is ALWAYS a good idea!)
Attend an indoor hunting, fishing or gardening show. Let me be clear. I don’t hunt, fish or garden. But I go to these events anyway for the sole purpose (and soul purpose!) of walking around without a coat, saying hi to people, and walking among the indoor flower gardens and trout ponds. In a pinch, I have even been known to stroll that brick walkway display at Menards! (Hey, be nice. That was a really long winter!).
I have plenty more suggestions if you need them. And don’t worry. Even the best of us can forget March’s hold! About a week ago, I came home after slipping around in the slushy, melting, mess. I was a little ‘off’ and not sure exactly why. Until the doorbell rang. It was a delivery from Bachman’s. The card simply read “Spring will Come.” Inside this yummy bright package was a big hug-full of Tulips. As if to say “Don’t worry! We’ve got this!” Yes indeed we do, Tulips, yes indeed we do.
By Kristin Beise, RE/MAX Advantage Plus
