THE BEACH IN MARCH

“I can’t believe it’s March and it’s 70 degrees out!” I couldn’t help but smile as I looked over at my son Alex. “We’re heading to the beach to hopefully find some good shells.”

The car windows were down and a warm breeze was blowing in. “This is just what I needed to get me through the rest of this winter.” I pulled up to the curb and parked. “I can already smell the ocean!”

Alex started to laugh. “You know, spring is only a week away.” He reminded me.

“Just because it says it’s spring on the calendar doesn’t mean the weather cooperates.” I climbed out of the car and headed for the beach entrance. “We’ve had plenty of spring snowstorms.”

We passed a few surfers pulling their boards out from the back of their cars. “I guess the word got out that the waves are good.” I whispered to Alex as we had passed another surfer.

We walked the path through the beach dunes. Once we cleared the dunes the ocean stretched before us with its waves crashing against the sand. “Oh man! There’s something about being here.” I said breathing in deeply. “I feel like I need this.”

Alex was already wandering along the shoreline scouting for shells. “What about this one?” He asked holding up a bay scallop.

He handed the shell to me. “I haven’t seen one of these in a long time.” I turned it over. “It’s in perfect condition.” I said before I slipped it in my sweatshirt pocket. “I have a feeling this is going to be a good shell day.”

I picked up an Atlantic surf clam shell. “When I was a kid we used to call these Jersey ashtrays!” I said with a laugh.

Alex pointed to a group of seagulls who were combing the beach as well. “They’re starting their game of food-not-food early, too.”

We scoured the beach for close to a half an hour before my pockets were full of shells. “I think I’m ready to head home.” I said patting my pockets.

Once we were back in the car I unloaded the shells into the cup holders. “Definitely a good beach day.” I said as I started the car.

Driving through town, windows open again, I sighed as I shook my head. “I love seeing all the signs of spring!” I said. “I love that I’m seeing some of the greens of daffodils already popping up. The birds are chirping away. The sun sets later. Tiny buds are already showing up on the trees!” I sighed. “I love it all!”

Turning into our neighborhood my tire hit a pothole the size of a basketball.

“Oh, no!” I cried. “I swear that wasn’t there when we left!” I looked over at Alex. “I hope that didn’t do any damage to the car.”

“Well, potholes are just another sign of spring.” Alex reasoned. “You said you love everything about spring.” He started to laugh.

“Okay, maybe not potholes.” I pulled into our driveway and got out of the car to check the tire.

Alex came over and looked, too. “It seems fine.” He tried to reassure me.

I went back inside the car to get my collection of shells. “I also don’t like the rain, mud, and fluctuating temperatures of spring.” I called over my shoulder.

“So, you don’t love everything about spring.” Alex corrected me as he took the keys from me to unlock the front door.

“Nope, I don’t.” I said following him up the front walk. “I guess I’m just suffering from a case of spring fever.”