March roared in with a few inches of snow early Saturday morning, but already this week has been more lamblike, with temperatures in the 50s and much of the snow rapidly becoming a memory. It is such a busy month, I’m hoping that the mild weather isn’t just a joke.

On March 2, the Senate passed a resolution naming this month “Deep-Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month.” The resolution is in memory of journalist David Bloom, who died of a fatal pulmonary embolism while covering the war in Iraq. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, often occurring in the lower leg or thigh. Clots also can occur in other parts of the body. If a blood clot breaks off and gets into the bloodstream it can travel to the lungs (a pulmonary embolism) and block blood flow. Blood clots in the thigh are more likely to break off and cause a pulmonary embolism than blood clots in the lower leg or other parts of the body. According to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, half of people with deep vein thrombosis are unaware that they have it. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, or swelling of a leg or a vein, especially when walking or standing; increased warmth in the painful area; and red or discolored skin. Visit your doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment if you suspect you may have DVT. (Even if it isn’t March.)

Girl Scout Week will be celebrated March 9 to 15 by the 55,000 girls and more than 21,000 adults across the state who are members of Girl Scouts of Connecticut. Special troop events, religious ceremonies on Girl Scout Sunday, and other activities will honor the 96th birthday of the Girl Scouts. In the spirit of Girl Scouting, I have been polishing my string of “purr-ls.” What does that have to do with Girl Scouts? As with many new clubs, Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low needed cash to get her organization off the ground way back when, so she sold her pearl necklace to raise money. All Girl Scouts, past and present, are being encouraged to wear their own pearls during Girl Scout Week. I’m sure they won’t mind if I join in as a sign of unity.

Local Girl Scouts will be distributing the cookies ordered in January during Girl Scout Week, as well, I’m told. Don’t be sad if you didn’t get a chance to order your Samosas or Tagalongs this winter. Look for cookie booths at various locations around town all through the month of March. This weekend, pretty much anywhere you look you will see Girl Scouts selling cookies. Troops will be at Super Stop & Shop in Sand Hill Plaza and at Dunkin’ Donuts on Queen Street from 9 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday; at Newtown Car Wash off of Route 25 from 9 am to 2 pm, and at Dodgingtown Market from 9 am to 1 pm Saturday and Sunday; at Newtown Hardware on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm; at Lexington Gardens from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday; at Yankee Wine & Liquors in the Queen Street Plaza from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday; and at Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries on Route 25 from noon to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday. My mouth is watering already.

I’m not putting all my ducks in a row, but I am lining up my pawns and bishops. US Chess Federation Candidate Master and Newtown resident Glen Budzinski is hosting the first of what could be a series of Saturday chess drop-in programs at C.H. Booth Library beginning March 15. Chess players of all skill levels are invited to stop by and play between the hours of 1 and 5 pm. Sets and boards will be provided, and there are no fees or registration required. The chess drop-in is designed primarily for adult players, but no player of any age will be turned away. Mr Budzinski brings 40 years of chess expertise to the table, so be prepared to learn some new tricks.

Nor will I say “Nyet” if anyone invites me to attend the talk by journalist, author, and lecturer Andrée Aelion Brooks next Tuesday, March 11, at 1 pm, at Booth Library. Ms Brooks will discuss her book, Russian Dance, a true story set in Stalinist Moscow.

Easter is early this year, March 23, and it’s the holiday when people’s common sense seems to fly right out the window. Chicks, ducklings, and bunnies epitomize the coming of spring, and lots of folks seem to think that putting a real-live, cute, furry bunny in the Easter basket is the cat’s meow. Make sure that the only bunny you leave in the woven basket is one made of chocolate, though, please. According to the MakeMineChocolate website, the weeks following Easter are a nightmare for humane societies across the nation as unwanted Easter pets are dumped when people find out that rabbits are as much work as owning a dog or cat. To properly care for a rabbit, which may live to be 8 or 10 years old, proper housing is needed and the animal should be spayed or neutered. That can cost more than $100. Nor are rabbits particularly cuddly pets, so children quickly tire of a pet that does not want to be handled. Domesticated rabbits that are set “free” when they are no longer small and adorable will perish in the wilderness. So make Easter as happy for bunnies as it is for everyone else. Choose a chocolate rabbit for the Easter basket. The only question then is, ears or tail first?

Personally, I don’t care if you read me first or last, but promise next week to…. Read me again.