March 1, 2026

Do you have a favorite month? I wouldn’t necessarily say that March is my favorite overall, but I do love March 1^st.

For me, it is a day of hope. Its arrival means spring is just around the corner (forget the groundhog—too early.) No matter the weather, it is the day I come out of my winter hibernation.

Way back in my late twenties, my doctor diagnosed me with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Unfortunately, with its short rainy days, the Seattle area is not the best place to live if you have SAD. I don’t have much trouble getting through December because I love the holidays. But January feels like a prison sentence.

One year, my doctor sent the lab results from my annual physical with a handwritten note at the bottom: “It’s February 28^th. You’ve almost made it!” Thus, my private celebration of March 1^st began. When Daylight Savings Time got switched to early March that helped, too.

Since retirement, I have been able to escape for at least part of January or February. This year, I spent January in Thailand and Cambodia. And, honestly, I can’t complain about February here in the Seattle area. We had an unusually high number of sunny days.

I was dog sitting all month, so I went outside every day. Over the years, I have found time outdoors is the best way to conquer SAD. I also plan outings and social meetups.

Dash Point at minus tide

When the sun sets in winter, my energy is gone. Most nights after dinner I am glued to the TV until it’s time for bed. I also fight the cravings for starchy carbs in a big way.

Today that ends. Sure, I might still watch a show or a movie, but the evening marathons are over. I even got a surge of energy last night and did my taxes. Tonight, I’m inspired to write and am looking into travel plans for later this year.

In a way, March 1^st is my New Year’s Day. Looking forward to new beginnings and brighter days!

Yesterday’s visit to the Bonsai Museum in Federal Way, Washington: This is possibly the oldest bonsai in the country, over 150 years old!