It’s Spring Here in the Valley

Spring has spring and we don’t need Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow, or the lack thereof, to know this. Here in “The Valley of the Sun” spring is heralded by an abundance of wildflowers. Our normally reddish-brown mountains are green with vegetation because of the winter rains. Due of the mild temperatures there is a stampede of outside weddings, but better yet spring training has arrived!

So, the rains brought our desert landscape to life with plants that most of us forgot even grow here. The weather is balmy and even in the heart of the city there are mountains and trails to walk, hike, and explore.

As far as weddings, when better to have one then when you can stand outside in direct sunlight without fear of receiving a third degree sunburn or heatstroke. I can see the summer wedding now. After saying “I do” the bride falls to the ground in a heap. The groom looks at her; a horrified expression upon his face. He had no idea she didn’t really want to get married. “Oh don’t worry,” the doctor assures him. “She’s just suffering from heatstroke.”

I myself have sworn off summer weddings. A few years ago, on July 4th, I was a maid of honor. Did I mention the ceremony was outside?!? I was sweating so profusely under my dress that I couldn’t even focus on the ceremony. I did manage to hear the all important “you may now kiss the bride” and I hurried after the guests who had bolted from their chairs as they sought the cooler temperatures of the inside reception area.

Saving the best for last, spring training is a much celebrated event here and generally most of the valley, baseball fans or not, will attend at least a game or two. What’s not to love? Beautiful afternoons, cloudless skies, the smell of fresh cut grass, the crack of a bat hitting a baseball, and quality time with ones friends or family. Not to mention the possibility of playing hooky from work or school. Plus, you will probably get to see the majority of your favorite team’s players in a single game!

“Play ball!”