Happy Spring!

Yesterday we were treated with the spring equinox, when the sun’s warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet. During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight – translation … IT’S SPRINGTIME!! In 2025, the spring equinox occurs on March 20 at 5:01 a.m. UTC (the exact moment varies each year depending on Earth’s orbit). Now, I know you are already feeling a bit better – gradually sliding out of winter, and anxious for the sights and smell of new flowers. Like any change of season (for those of us who enjoy all four seasons), it’s truly a time of renewal (and a chance to put away the heavy sweaters and bulky blankets) and look forward to new brighter days. To inspire you, here’s a whole bunch of ideas to kick off Spring. For Jackie and me, it’s a chance to get out again to our local parks and enjoy walking again (without heavy coats). She finds peace in digging a bit in the gardens and planting some new flowers. (I just like digging holes!) And yes, like you, I try to clean up the winter mess in the garage and get the kayak’s cleaned and ready. If you have a favorite “spring” activity, please share skowalski@khtheat.com Enjoy!

By popular demand, we’re now sharing guides for the previous week’s logo contest!

Every Friday, scroll to the bottom of the post to review last week’s guide and see if we managed to stump you. 

The word equinox comes from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night) because it’s one of two days in the year when day and night are nearly equal in length. This happens because the Sun crosses directly over the Earth’s equator.On the spring equinox, the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun. This marks the start of longer daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere and shorter days in the Southern Hemisphere.

The spring equinox is also called the vernal equinox, derived from the Latin ver meaning “spring.” It’s one of two equinoxes—the other being the autumnal equinox in September.

A popular myth claims that you can balance an egg upright only on the equinox because of gravitational forces. While balancing an egg is possible any day, the equinox’s symbolism of balance might inspire you to try!

Many ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese, used the equinox to mark the start of planting seasons. It was also crucial for agricultural planning.

While we say “equal day and night,” daylight is slightly longer than the night on the equinox. This is due to the way Earth’s atmosphere bends light, allowing the Sun to appear above the horizon for a bit longer. (I’m cool with this!)

So, here’s your “Pick From” list: (ok to do more than one, or the whole list!)

Play Some Golf with Friends – spring brings a whole new attitude for my golf game. Fresh air, green fairways, opportunities galore, and of course reconnecting with my buds. Use this time to reacquaint yourself with your clubs or in the case of my friend Bobbie, get new ones! Here’s a link to get you tuned up for the season. 

Plant Something New – Start a small garden or plant some flowers—it’s a great way to symbolize new beginnings. Popular choices for spring include tulips, daffodils, and pansies.

Take a Nature Walk – Explore a local park or hiking trail and look for signs of spring like budding trees, blooming flowers, or birds returning from migration.

Declutter Your Space – Channel the energy of the season into a good spring cleaning session to freshen up your home and your mind. Empty the shed for sure.  

Enjoy a Picnic – Pack a lunch and eat outside, even if it’s still a little chilly. Layer up and embrace the fresh air. Here in Cleveland, we head over to the art museum and enjoy the lakes and walking paths.

Fly a Kite – Grab the kids (or grandkids) Spring’s breezy weather makes it a perfect time to relive childhood fun with a colorful kite.

Decorate for the Season 
Add bright, spring-inspired décor to your home—think pastel-colored wreaths, floral arrangements, or cheerful table settings.

Try a New Recipe with Fresh Ingredients 
Use spring vegetables to create a light, refreshing dish, like a lemony asparagus risotto or vibrant salad. 

Wear Bright Colors 
Swap out dark, winter tones for vibrant or pastel colors that echo the blooms of spring.

Do Some Birdwatching 
Spring migration is a great time to spot birds you don’t usually see in winter. Grab some binoculars and a bird guide. Check out a Beginner’s Guide. 

Have a Spring-Themed Craft Day 
Make something fun, like painted flower pots, pressed-flower bookmarks, or floral wreaths.

Start Your Herbs Garden – Plant small pots of herbs like basil, mint, or parsley and use them to flavor meals throughout the season. (Don’t forget cilantro!) Here are some ideas for your garden.

Read a Book Outside – Grab a novel, blanket, and a spot in the sun to enjoy a calming afternoon. 

Take Photos of the Season’s Changes 
Document how your surroundings transform from winter’s gray tones to spring’s bursts of color. Just fire away with your phone and share the results online with friends.

How did you do on last week’s logo contest?

Check out our logo guide for the “Happy Pi Day!” post here!