Winter continues to dwindle in the Northeast. Just north of Philadelphia, chilly mornings will last at least through the end of the week, but they often give way early on to some brisk but more decidedly spring-like weather.

As the weather continues to fluctuate, I find myself thinking of excuses to get outside. Whether it is for a mid-morning walk on a Saturday or an after-work hike, getting outside is more and more appealing.

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This past winter I still stayed active outside. Whether running or hiking new paths, the winter allows for some advantages, like fewer bugs and lower humidity, but those first few days of spring are always tempting. Following last week’s time change, the weather has matched the longer daylight hours, making it easy to get outside for a quick run or hike after work.

As spring really looms, there is a lot I am looking forward to. From the trips I mentioned in my previous blog to upcoming work trips and the beginning of baseball season, there is a lot to look forward to. It should be the first time since 2011 the Philadelphia Phillies make the playoffs; if Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto work out, this could be a fun year to be a Phillies fan.

In addition to the Phillies, I am excited about a tentative trip to Lima, Peru, next week. I am still waiting on final confirmation; but if that comes together, it will be my first visit to South America since 2012, when I visited Argentina.

I feel like spring always promises a new beginning and a way for people to reset in time with the weather, but this year feels a little more real than those in the past.

— Erich Martin, assistant editor