Spring Fling

At 1:39 PM EST, on Saturday, March 20th we finally put a steak in the heart of our cruel winter and welcome the glories of spring. At that precise time, the direct rays of the Sun fall perpendicular on the Earth's equator. The poles point nether away or toward the Sun and we have the Vernal Equinox. Yeah!!!

So what the heck is a Vernal Equinox. Well the word Vernal comes from the Latin word vernalis which is from the Latin ver which means spring. Equinox, according to Websters, is an alteration of Latin aequinoctium, from aequi or equi noctor, nox, meaning night. Equi is equal. So we have the Vernal or Spring equal night. Vernal Equinox.

Equal night because the length of nighttime and daylight will be the same, 12 hours, on the day when the Sun and Earth are aligned just right. Check out this diagram to see what it looks like.

I found a really wordy definition from Wiki. It will make your mind go numb but it is fun to read.

At an equinox, the Sun is at one of two opposite points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator (i.e. declination 0) and ecliptic intersect. These points of intersection are called equinoctial points: the vernal point and the autumnal point. By extension, the term equinox may denote an equinoctial point.



Well the calendar may say that the first day of spring is Saturday but I don't believe spring really begins until they tee it up at Augusta National for the Maters.

Bay Lights

Saw the coolest thing last night.


I drive along St. Andrews Bay to and from work. It is usually a spectacular drive with great views. One of the prettiest drives in the world really. Last night, on the way home from work, I took a look toward the water. In the waves right at the waters edge, there was a green glow in each small wave.


I had heard about the sea glowing or sparks coming from the water but I had never seen it until last night. What I saw looked like giant, green glow sticks dancing in the water and in the waves. I had to pull over and get out of my truck and walk right down to the waters edge to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me.

The was no cloud cover, no moon and no lights to reflect off of the small waves. It was glowing. Green. Fantastic.

I had heard about a plankton or algae bloom but I had to do some digging to find out more.


It is Bioluminescence.


Here is one discription that covers the details.

And...take a look at his video of what Bioluminescence looks like in the water. The video is from Australia. Very Cool.

Green Eggs and Such

Born on this date March 2, 1904
Theodor Seuss Geisel AKA Dr. Seuss

So...in his honor I give you this.

I do not like this weather cold.
I don't like it even BOLD.
I do not like it when I am young.
I do not like it when I'm old.

Why must we shiver in the dark?
Why must we shiver in a park?
We shake our souls in this cold air.
The temperature falling.
We sit and stare.

Water freezes in a puddle.
To warm it up,
We must huddle.
Cuddle and huddle on a frozen puddle.
Please warm it up... and on the double.

Where is this Earth of Warming Climes?
I cant not find it in these rhymes.
The Warming Earth might roast and flood
But not this year...this Winter's crud.

I do so hope for warming soon.
I can not wait for the month of June.
We will warm it up in Spring?
The warmer days that Spring flowers bring.

Kids and moms and dads do search
For a beach chair to sit and perch.
The schools will break and coastlines call.
This Winter's weather has still stalled.
We grumble bumble stumble and fall
You cant play with a frozen beach ball.

IF Global Warming is meant to be,
We all must drive our SUV.
Oh! This chill I have no use.

So... Happy Birthday Dr Seuss!!!