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Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

As I write this, we’re in the middle of spring break for students attending Albert Lea Area Schools, and we’re on the eve of another expected blizzard.

Who doesn’t love March in Minnesota? It can be 70 degrees one day and then below freezing the next and the interstate is closed.

After a while, you can’t help but laugh at how bipolar the weather is. I guess it keeps us on our toes and helps us remember our winter-weather driving skills.

Thankfully my son’s PCA has been able to help out this week a few days, so my son can have some fun and get outdoors a little, and I’m taking off a couple days, too, so we can maybe make a day-trip to do something fun for one of the days.

I’ve loved watching the photos splash up on Facebook of my friends who have been able to get away for some fun during the break, though I’ll admit I am a little jealous.

Most of them are in warmer climates where sun abounds, and I can almost feel the warmth of the sun and feel the sand on my feet as I see their photos.

I haven’t been on a trip to a warmer climate for a few years now, and every year right about now I am wishing I could join them.

I have a few friends who are traveling overseas, which is another bucket list thing for me, as I’ve never been out of the country other than to the Canada side of Niagara Falls.

I’ve always thought spring break in Minnesota should come at least in April so that the rest of us who can’t get away for the break can have a better chance of being able to enjoy more time outdoors.

For those of you who are still at home like our family is, don’t forget to try to take a little bit of time to have some time together as a family and to actually get a break from the demands of school and work as the phrase “spring break” suggests.

It doesn’t have to be glamorous, and it doesn’t have to be outdoors, though the sunshine always is a plus.

It could be a movie night this weekend with fun snacks or a scavenger hunt around town if the weather cooperates.

You could go for a walk or take a bike ride if the snow melts, or if you’re indoors make a craft or have a board game night.

If you need some fresh ideas, let Google be your friend. The ideas are really limitless.

If you’re up for getting away for a day or two, there are plenty of opportunities within relatively quick driving distance from Albert Lea, whether it’s the Twin Cities, Rochester, Mankato or even Duluth.

I’m trying to embrace the idea that even though we’re not with some of my friends out of state, we can still have a memorable spring break.

Hope you have a good week, everyone! It’ll be back to the grind next week!

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Wednesday.