Life is What Happens
By Lisa Zaslow Segelman
A classic line from “When Harry Met Sally” has Harry (Billy Crystal) saying to Sally (Meg Ryan), “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
For those of us who just endured the coldest shore winter in 10 years, it’s the same feeling: “When you live in a shore town, where amazing weather is a core reason for being, you want that amazing weather to start as soon as possible.”
So we push it. A few warm midday March hours? That’s spring, right? I’m in that category – out there with the walkers, runners and bikers who convince ourselves it’s warm enough. You know us: the underdressed souls you glance at and think, “Aren’t they cold?”
I would think so. Exposed ankles and March don’t mix. I unzipped my hood from my parka way too early (see photo). If only Spring Fever could keep us warm!
March 20 might be spring’s official start, but the month is fickle – and windy. “In like a lion, out like a lamb” holds true. Walking one way, the wind is at your back, making you feel like the Irish prayer is on your side. The return trip? Brutal. And don’t even try chatting with your grandmother on your AirPods. She’ll think you’re underwater.
Also, why do we need both the temperature and the “real feel” temperature? Does it matter if it’s technically 50 degrees when it feels like 28?
Still, the first blush of spring is undeniable and it may get more media attention on a slow news day, but around here, it’s still news.
I’ve taken a walk between bay and beach and I can confirm there are green shoots out there waiting to become tulips, lone crocuses or flimsy daffodils pushing through the soil, and there’s a watercolor wash of pink on the trees as you head west on any highway. Early spring has us taking out the trash in our bathrobes just to take in nature. We didn’t freeze and the neighbors didn’t see us way too late in the morning in such attire. Bravo!
I love seeing builders working outside again, (they know how to dress for any weather) buoyed by the hope that maybe, just maybe, they’ll finish in time for the season.
Gardeners are tackling spring cleanups before their schedules fill with weekly mowings and blowings.
Now’s the time to plan or schedule any projects that require a professional. Once the season starts, landscapers will be too busy.
If you look around you’ll see locals back on the Boardwalk, surfers are out if the waves are good and more people are down on weekends.
“I went to Florida this winter and my warm-weather clothes are still out,” says Nicole Deodato-Weist of Ventnor. “I’m leaving them out. You have to live in hope!”
Before the season begins in earnest, these early spring months are the prime time to wake our homes from winter slumber. The last thing you want is to be scrubbing white deck furniture on Memorial Day weekend. So when the March winds die down, consider these projects:
Outdoor maintenance
Inspect your home’s exterior – Check for storm damage to siding, decks and roofing. Power wash to remove salt, sand and mildew.
Outdoor furniture refresh – Wash cushions, repaint metal pieces and replace anything worn out.
Landscaping – Trim overgrown plants, clear dead leaves and add fresh mulch. If this stresses you out, call a gardener. Make sure they’re back from winter hibernation.
Grill and outdoor kitchen check – Deep clean the grill, check propane tanks and replace rusted parts.
Indoor spring cleaning
(Save this one for a rainy day)
Air out the house – Open windows, clean floors and wash curtains and bedding.
Check for moisture and mold – Inspect closets, walls and under sinks for dampness.
Prep HVAC and fans – Replace filters and ensure A/C units are ready. Call your HVAC for a yearly check-up if necessary.
Stock up on essentials – Wash or replace beach towels, linens and kitchen basics like sunscreen and grilling supplies. Atlantic City Rescue Mission may take donations of your old items: 609-345-5517 x120.
Safety and functionality checks
Plumbing and water systems – Check for leaks, flush out pipes and ensure outdoor showers work. Same goes for your garden hose.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Swap out batteries and test alarms.
Storm prep – Have emergency kits, flashlights and backup power sources ready.
Beach gear check – Inspect and hose down boogie boards, surfboards, kayaks, fishing gear, beach carts and beach toys for damage.
Get your beach tags – Order beach tags for the adults and seniors in your family.
Spring may be slow to arrive, but we can get ready for it, whether it’s actually here or just wishful thinking.
Lisa is an advertising copywriter (think ‘Madmen’ without the men), journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: Lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. For column comments, story ideas, or to get on her “quote” list for future columns: redshoeslzs@gmail.com
