There’s a saying in Maine, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.”  This may be true no matter where you live.

On Saturday we got a taste of warm weather, and it was delicious.  We were sweating and sunburning at my son’s double-header, and no one was complaining.  We welcomed a 70 degree day after the Polar Vortex of 2014. But, on Sunday, the thermometer plunged back down into the 40s, the rain came in, and we were back at baseball  — shivering and miserable — under more “normal” conditions for April in New England.

Just one summer-like day made me greedy. I shake my head at how I ended up at a bone-chilling baseball game totally unprepared.  No raincoat, no blanket, the wrong shoes, and not enough layers. I was a fool on Sunday!  I could hardly wait to get home and zap my Maine Warmer in the microwave.  I curled up on the couch with my Cozy Sheep, warmed up my hands and core to a comfortable state, and made a mental note of all the things to keep in my car this baseball season — a raincoat, large blanket, golf umbrella, muck boots, winter hat, gloves, fleece jacket, and a down coat.  Because l should know that the weather can change in 5 minutes.

If you spend time outdoors this spring as a spectator or athlete, keep your microwave heating pad ready for when you get home — for simply warming up, or to relax tense muscles.  On days when the weather gods throw you curveballs — you’ll be ready.