Dr. James Surrell, Journal columnist

Welcome to springtime in our wonderful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Of course, we know that the official date for the first day of Spring this year was on March 20. However, based on the big winter snow storms we had recently, I am not so sure that this March 20 date ever got sent to Mother Nature this year. Regardless, we are now finally starting to have our special snow bank melting time here in our great Upper Peninsula.

The following is about the origin of the term “Spring” to describe this season, from the Oxford English Dictionary. “Springing time” is an archaic term originating in Middle English (before 1387) that describes the season when plants and trees begin to spring or grow. It signifies the start of the spring season, marking a period of renewal, warmer temperatures, and is also often viewed as the time when life returns to nature. 

Because we are now starting to enjoy some of our springtime weather, let us celebrate with some springtime humor.

* You know that it is the first day of Spring in the U.P. when you can now start to see over some of the snow banks.

* What is Irish and gets put out in your back yard in the Spring? Paddy O’Furniture.

* What does the math teacher plant in her garden every Spring? Her plants all have “square roots”.

* What grows up when you plant Hershey’s Kisses in your springtime garden?  Tulips (two lips).

* If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?  Pilgrims.

* What goes up when the Spring season rain keeps comes down?  Your umbrella.

* Why is everybody so tired on April 1st? Because we all just completed a 31 day March.

* What is exactly in the middle of the months of April and March? The letter “r”.

* What is the shortest month of the year? It is the month of May because it only has 3 letters.

* When is the best season for people to start using their trampoline? “Spring” time.

I certainly hope you got a few laughs out of these springtime jokes, and I sincerely believe that we all should remember that laughter truly is good medicine. I wish you all a most enjoyable springtime in our great Upper Peninsula and I know we all are looking forward to enjoying a wonderful summer as well.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of “The ABC’s For Success In All We Do” and the “SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet” books. Contact Dr. Surrell by email at sosdietdoc@gmail.com.