EASTER FOR EVERYONE

My father, a clergyman, would berate anyone who called it 'Easter Sunday'. He'd mumbles a few chosen epithets and tell you, Easter is always on a Sunday. So call it just plain Easter!

There you have it, a weekend that starts off as Good Friday and two days later ends up as a one-day event. Unless you call the next day 'Easter Monday', but that's pushing it.

It's one of my favorite short holidays of the year because unlike other celebrations, say Christmas, they can pop up any day of the week.

There is also something special about Easter. It pretty well ushers in spring. Or at least the thought that springt can't be far off..

For me, it's time to uncover my 22-year-old Mazda Miata sportscar. It's been huddled parked against the side of the house since early November; up on blocks and buried under a thick canvas keeping it cozy for the last six months.

My Miata comes out of hibernation covered with dust, and looking as if it's anxious for some fun. The soft top down. Hair blowing every which way. The car still smells like new but that's probably my imagination.

Author's comment: You can anticipate spring in the air. The sounds of birds returning from warmer climates. Wild animals like raccoons, groundhogs coming out of hiding. Brace yourself, you never know what's ahead. Hmm, probably just as well.