Yay for Daylight Saving Time

My favorite place to be is outdoors, whether on a trail, a sidewalk, a concert amphitheater or a lake dock. So I've been excited for weeks that March 12, the first day of Daylight Saving Time this past Sunday, was fast approaching. That's when we turned our clocks forward one hour and gained more time to be outdoors in the daylight. Daylight Saving Time lasts 240 out of the 365 days each year. Since 2007, it begins the second Sunday in March and lasts until the first Sunday in November. I always miss this time of year when Standard Time takes over in November and it's dark by 5 p.m. But when we're under Daylight Saving Time for almost eight months of the year, the fun is endless. I have more energy. I talk in depth to my neighbors, who are also outside enjoying the extra outdoor playtime. I get to walk my dog for longer periods of time after dinner. I have more time after work and my other daily responsibilities to look at the spring and summer flowers popping up. I have a fuller day where I don't end up being a couch potato at 7 p.m. There are also scientific reasons for enjoying the extra daylight hours. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Daylight Saving Time has significant benefits: * It saves energy. During Daylight Saving Time, the sun sets one hour later at night, so less electricity for household lighting and appliances is used as we spend more time outside at night. Since sunrise is early in the morning during the summer, most of us wake up after the sun has risen, which means fewer lights are turned on. * It saves lives and prevents traffic injuries. During Daylight Saving Time, more of us travel to and from school and work and complete errands during the daylight. * It reduces crime. During Daylight Saving Time, more of us are out during daylight hours rather than after it's dark, when more crime occurs. So Sunday's wet and cold weather that kept me inside, instead of enjoying the great outdoors the first night of Daylight Saving Time, didn't dampen my spirits. Because I have eight more lighter and inviting months to take advantage of being outside until 8:30 or 9 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time. Judging from past years, I'll see many of you on my favorite trails during the early night hours this season, including Lincoln Crossing and Wilson Park, and Miner's Ravine Trail from Sierra College Boulevard to Vernon Street and Oak Street in downtown Roseville. I hope you spend more time outside the next eight months after 5 p.m. It's a great way to relax and appreciate what we have right before us.