Spring Break Gone Local

When I think of Spring Break, this is what I think of.

That's me on Spring Break in Key West, twenty years ago.

. . .

. . .

Sorry. Had a minor freak out when I realized it really was twenty years ago.

Ahem.

This week, the boys and I are on Spring Break. Our little holiday started out like this:

A bit different from that other holiday, but lovely all the same.

I've missed the magic a good snowfall can bring.

Though perhaps it was more magical when their aim was not so precise.

Ten Inches of Snow

So far, this is what four to ten inches of snow from Saturn/Snowquester looks like.

Yeah, I can't see it either.

The morning rain was supposed to turn to heavy snow this afternoon. We had some torrential downpours, the wind blew hard, but no snow.

It's a little disappointing. I like the snow. But the boys and I got off work and school, so I'm not complaining.

My feelings aren't apparently shared. The Interwebs, especially social media, have been full of gripes and moans and downright nastiness. I suppose that's nothing new, but come on people! Give the weather guys a break!

Most of the reports I watched emphasized the complicated factors involved with this storm. Air masses, highs and lows, the temperature of the Bay. . . It may be science, but with so many variables, what happens in the end is still an educated guess.

I'm glad the school systems erred on the side of keeping our kids safe. And I'm glad my employer did the same. I spent the day with my guys, playing "Just Dance" and watching Star Wars in front of the fireplace.

Absolutely no nastiness here.

Photo Friday

I've been feeling a little under the weather the past two days. Not necessarily sick, just tired and chilled and having a hard time getting in the day trip mood.

The boys are with their dad and step-mom and the wind is howling outside. We're missing the blizzard that is pounding parts north, but I feel a little in blizzard mode. I just want to curl up by the fire and hunker down with my book and the cat.

I think that's what I'll do.

The road to school last Friday morning.

Tracks

There are many little creatures that live in our yard and in the woods around our house.

They hide themselves well and one must be quiet and still (and have shut the cat in the house) to see them. But when it snows, they leave evidence of their existence behind.

Sparrows and Juncos

Squirrels

 

And although I didn't see their tracks this weekend, the boys and I have also seen evidence of deer, fox and the occasional raccoon. 

On Saturday, I also saw these.

 Prince the Cat

 
And these giant things, belonging to some strange beast. . .

Or maybe to just some silly mom wandering her own yard.

Winter Venues

We're in the very early stages of planning a "staycation" in March. I'm not sure what we'll do, but the very idea has me excited and counting the days.

What to do, what to do?

March in Maryland is chilly. According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, the average temperature in March is 44.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

It would be hard to convince Gabe to hike in that weather. So, while I am considering a snow tubing expedition (if there's still snow), I'm thinking more along the line of indoor activities.

My initial list of possibilities looks like this:

B&O Railroad Museum
location: Baltimore, Maryland
cost: $16 adults, $10 children

Bowling
location: varied
cost: ~$9/person with shoe rental

Maryland Science Center
location: Baltimore, Maryland
cost: $16.95 adults, $13.95 children

National Aquarium - Baltimore
location: Baltimore, Maryland
cost: $29.95 adults, $20.95 children

National Aquarium - Washington
location: Washington, DC
cost: $9.95 adults, $4.95 children

National Geographic Museum
location: Washington, DC
cost: $8 adults, $4 children

Rollerskatinglocation: varied
cost: ~$9/person with skate rental

Smithsonian Institute
location: Washington, DC
cost: free
multiple museums: Air and Space, American History, American Indian, Air and Space, Natural History, and more

Snow Tubing
(It's very likely we'd have to drive to West Virginia to find snow at the end of March, but it was worth researching anyway).
locations:
Liberty Mountain Resort, Carroll Valley, PA
Roundtop Mountain Resort, Lewisberry, PA
Whitetail Resort, Mercersburg, PA
Wisp, McHenry, MD (near Deep Creek)
cost: $15-$30/person depending where and when you go

Some of these are the usual suspects - not that there's anything wrong with that - they are tried and true. But I'm open to some new venues - particularly those that are budget-friendly.

Any ideas?

Winter Activity Woes

Winter in Maryland is like that overused box of chocolates. Three weeks ago I was digging 22 inches of snow off my van with a bathroom trashcan. Yesterday, it was 54 degrees.

The relative warmth was welcome, but it was just a tease. Winter isn’t finished. Already today is colder than yesterday and the weatherman predicts a dusting of snow to coat the dirty snow mountains still melting in parking lots.

I acknowledge that winter’s gray landscapes and bitter winds are needed to make spring all the more wondrous. But some days I wish I could curl up like a squirrel, wrap my fluffy tail around me, and sleep until spring comes back.

This hibernation attitude has made it difficult to come up with winter activities for the boys. They’re not keen on napping. It was only this past year I could interest them in quiet activities like reading, drawing, and crafts. My guys are quintessential boys. They require action, noise, and the occasional potty humor.

So, what does one do with two raucous boys in a 750 square foot apartment?

I’m working on a list, but in the meantime, what do you do?