It’s already March.

It seems as if it was only a few days ago we were observing the New Year, and we’ve not really seen much in the way of winter weather (knock on wood), but here we are in March, and the beginning of spring is only a couple of weeks away.

About a week ago, I left the house on my way to work with a mostly clear, blue sky, warm sun shining down and birds singing overhead. The daffodils by the porch had sprouted. Some of them have since bloomed. I joked it would mean a blizzard was on its way.

That’s still a possibility, of course, as we’ve had those heavy snow storms in mid to late March, but there’s also a chance we could end up seeing a nice transition into the next season.

The passage of time is a constant, although it’s perceived speed is relative to our own observations. To many of us, it will seem as if things are going by especially quick this year.

For those who observe, we are in the midst of Lent, which means Easter is not too far away. I’ve heard of several plans already for holiday meal fundraiser events and Easter egg hunts or opportunities to meet the Easter Bunny.

Plans are under way for the William Curenton Spring Open Pickleball Tournament, which I’ve mentioned before. I’ll have more details on that in the middle of the week, but it’s shaping up to be a good activity for the area as well, especially the way pickleball has been catching on in the Upper Ohio Valley.

Hopefully, there is an opportunity to enjoy the spring as the air gets warmer, and plants begin to bloom.

I have a feeling that will be perceived to go by quickly as well, though, especially as we see some of our traditional summer activities coming into focus.

Weirton Council recently authorized funds to go toward an Independence Day fireworks display. The plans, so far, are to have the city’s July 4 parade and fireworks on July 2. I know there are some out there who are going to complain because of the selection of a day other than July 4, but, at the same time, this puts everything on a Saturday which can open up some schedules for a lot of people who want to take part in the festivities.

I’ve also heard the good people at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church have planned their annual festival for July 14. I’m really looking forward to it.

Soon after, the Weirton Chamber will have its Christmas in July Gold Scramble and an accompanying sidewalk sale. We start thinking about Christmas, and we begin to look toward the end of the year and the countdown to the holiday season which will be full of lights, parades and other festivities.

These are simply a sampling of things going on throughout the year, of course, but it gives an idea of how we perceive the flow of time as we go through our daily and weekly activities.

I suppose the best thing to remember is to try not to let the constant schedule drive be what drives our lives. Take care of what you need to, but also find ways to enjoy those moments in between. Once those moments have passed us by, they are gone forever.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)