Spring

Welcome back! 

My last blog was in German. I shared information about myself and my website with my German readers. If you missed it, click here to read it.  Today I will continue with the “Four Seasons Series.” In my first two blogs, I shared interesting facts about Autumn and Winter. If you missed those interesting blogs, just click on their names.   

Today I will tell you about Spring. If you remember, scientists have two ways to calculate the beginning of each season. The Astronomical is based on how far or near the Earth is to the sun: Spring: March 20 or 21 -June 20. The Meteorological is based on the average temperature. Spring: March 1 -May 31. I calculate it differently. For me, Spring is the beginning of the allergy season. Aaaah-choooo!  

Did you know that during the Spring the days and nights are almost equal in length? Scientists call this phenomenon the “vernal equinox.” Wow, that is a big word. A “phenomenon” is something that happens and can be seen or experienced, like the beginning of Spring. “Vernal Equinox” are two Latin words: “Vernal”= “Spring” and “Equinox”= “equal nights.” It is also the season between Winter and Summer.  Mom says it is the transitional season from cold to hot weather! It lasts about 13 weeks.  

Crazy Weather: Just like in Winter, the weather doesn’t know what to do. Sometimes it rains, snows, or there are storms.  

End of hibernation: Many animals wake up very hungry from hibernation. Others, like bunnies, have babies. You will find frogspawn in ponds.  

Cherry Blossom around the world: The cherry trees have beautiful pink and white flowers. During Spring many families go to see, walk, or have a picnic around those trees. My Aunt Lulie goes every year with her family to Washington, DC, to see these trees.  

Famous Festivals:   

Easter: I like to go Egg Hunting in our garden or with my friends!  One time, we even visited the Easter Bunny!   

World Wildlife Day: It is celebrated on March 3. On this day, Dad, my friends, and I always go to the forest. We look for animal footprints, try to identify birds singing, or go on a scavenger hunt.   

Pi Day: This is a festival for mathematicians like my Uncle Peter. It is a number that measures the ratio of a circle. I share with you how Uncle Peter explained it to me.  A “ratio” is when you measure the distance around a circle (circumference) and divide it by the distance across the circle through its center (diameter). Then no matter how many times you calculate it, the ratio is always the same: 3.14159. An interesting Fact about Pi Day: celebrated on March 14 because of the ratio calculation! 

Star gazing: Yep, Dad said you can see these three constellations: Camelopardalis - the Latin name for giraffe. It is long and has no bright stars. Cassiopeia – it is shaped like a "W" or "M". Dad said it represents a queen. You can also see it on Autumn. Perseus – was a Greek hero. It looks like a person. You can see its bright star Mirfak! Dad said you can see these constellations with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope!   

My favorite Spring Activities:  

Flying my kite. Go on a Butterfly Walk. Look for “Polie’s” nest among Mom’s flowerpots or vines. Sometimes a hummingbird comes, too.  

Gotta run now! Need to help Mom plant our carrots, lettuce, strawberries, cucumbers, and zucchini.  

In my next blog, I will tell you about the Tooth Fairy Birthday Party! 

Remember to brush your teeth and keep them shiny for the Tooth Fairy.  

Joey Paco 

Image credits: Sterralium Web

Pi: Aioff (Pixabay)

Downloaded Coloring Page of PI: https://pagestocoloring.com/colorful-pi-symbol-coloring-page-29774-24005.html  

Courtesy of Pages to Coloring.com