Today's local newspapers all had stories about this being the warmest March in the history of record keeping for this area--about 15 degrees above normal on average. (The previous record for a warm March was 12 degrees above normal in 1910, so it really is a spring like no one can remember.) Our crocuses are long gone, daffodils in bloom, tulips soon to follow. Magnolias have already bloomed and are dropping their beautiful pink (blush/bashful) flowers with flowering crabs about to burst any day. In previous years, this rhododendron at our front door has bloomed in late April or even May.So all this brings me around to an activity that usually takes place just as the weather turns warm (or in the case of last year, just before it turns warm.) Our annual March for Babies. Usually we're walking beneath these beautiful fragrant trees on a chilly morning that promises warmth later in the day. We hold in our hearts our precious Will as we cherish the energy and enthusiasm in Edward and Daniel. We're hopeful that this will be the year that energy is sustained for the whole walk, rather than evaporating at the mid-point, which happens to be the downtown library and playground. We shall see.
In any case, we're only two-and-a-half weeks out from the walk and still quite a ways to go to meet our fundraising goals. We so appreciate all who have already contributed and those who have pledged to walk with us. There's still plenty of time to sign up to walk with us in Iowa City or in your own town. We're also grateful for any additional donations to this important cause: a healthy start for all babies!
