A Word From The Publisher

Although it doesn't feel like yet, spring is around the corner (really!). As a matter of fact, this year, the annual "springing forward" of the clocks will take place this weekend, which is several weeks earlier than in previous years.

While it may mean that we will again be arising before the sun for a few more weeks, it will also add an hour of daylight at the end of the work/school day. In the fall, the date for changing the clocks back has also been pushed forward a week, which will give children another hour of daylight for "trick or treating" on Halloween.

Unfortunately, when Congress authorized the change, there wasn't much attention paid to the fact that many of our computerized systems have already been programmed to update their clocks automatically for daylight savings time. So, unless you've downloaded a "patch" for your computer, you may find that it is a little confused come Sunday morning (although it's relatively simple to change computer clocks, unlike the clocks on old VCRs).

Many families use the changing of the clocks as a good time to remember to change the batteries on their smoke detectors, as well. Smoke detectors have saved many lives since they became standard home equipment, but they are useless without good batteries, so replace yours this weekend.

Let's hope spring gets here soon...

Meg Morgan Norris Publisher