March 29, 2024

Warm weather = happy people

As I type, the current temperature is 70 degrees. My motivation for being inside, writing a column is well below zero.

You know the great thing about warm weather? Happy people! This is one of the few times we as Iowans will strike up conversation about the weather with glee. It almost seems too good to be true ... and it kind of is.

There are cold, nasty, rainy days that lie ahead. We know this. But for the time being, we’re all doing warm weather things. The first abnormally warm weekend required two basics — grilling and getting a car wash. I believe I saw each and every one of you at the meat counter and in line at the car wash — great minds.

I haven’t managed to get a professional pedicure, but I did slap on some polish and break out some sandals last week. There is just something about not wearing socks that relates to freedom. I really relish sandal season. It’s the best.

Meanwhile, the kids are doing something amazing — playing outside. I was so proud to discover my son had divorced his iPad and rejoined a better habit. Since he’s an only child during the week, I’ve been trying to be a sport. If he wants to play with me outside, I do what I can to make it happen.

I’ve discovered I’m not much of a basketball player. But I do have fun playing him, razzing him and racking up active minutes on my Fitbit. As far as making hoops, I am about as impressive as the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten tournament. (What happened?)

The two of us also ventured out to check out the trail by Agnes Patterson Park last week. He rode his bike, and I took a jog. While we’ve spent many hours at the soccer field, we had never explored the trail. It was great, and served as some motivation to check out some other community gems.

But it is that awkward time of year when I’m just not satisfied with my closet. I can’t completely tuck away all my cold weather clothes, but I’ve started to add a few short sleeve selections to the mix. As I mentioned, my sandals are out, but my warm and cozy boots are still nearby.

As for the little guy, he suggested while shopping the other night, that he wanted shorts and tank tops — exclusively. I guess the classrooms are heating up over there at Berg Elementary. As I looked at some sweats for the upcoming soccer season I tried to explain to him that it will be cold again. It did not register. Along with the sweats, he scored a couple of new shorts outfits. He was mystified he couldn’t find any tank tops. The fact that it’s March simply wasn’t a strong enough argument. I wouldn’t be surprised if he asks to go to the pool over spring break.

Looking longingly at my weather app on my phone as this column comes to an end, it looks like a temperature drop is on the way. It’s supposed to be 68 degrees at 5 p.m., I guess because that’s when I’ll be able to get out and enjoy it. I’ll take it, and I’ll look for you happy people then.

Contact Abigail Pelzer at
641-792-3121 ext. 6530
or apelzer@newtondailynews.com