This would not be proper use of newspaper space if I did not mention the weather. There’s a secret in most every U.S. newsroom you likely have not heard: Weather runs the world.

Don’t think I’m kidding, either. Do an unofficial survey of your local newspaper, television or radio station, web media or — if you get your news this way — the barber shop, corner store or local diner. I guarantee you’ll hear about the weather.

Not just a mention of the highs and lows, either. On any given day you’re likely to hear downright lusty weather stories complete with historical context — “This last happened in 1982 …” — personal commentary — TV reporter: “I need to get my golf clubs out” — and ambitious prognostications about what’s to come.



On a slow news day, we can always fill some 15 column inches and snag a quick picture with a weather story, so it’s almost like having canned news. When I worked full-time in a newsroom, on days I knew the “weather story” was inevitable, I would duck down to the staff lounge until some unfortunate colleague got the assignment.

And when the weather is as wild as it has been for two weeks — record highs in spring in usually frosty Indiana? — newsrooms go crazy. It’s super easy news to be had.

You can see why, though, right? Weather really does run the world, so to speak, meaning almost everything we do is at least mildly affected by the weather. And here in Michiana, where we grow things, the weather can be financial gain or financial ruin.

Weather can devastate — literally, like with tornadoes — and it can scoop us from the gray, Midwest doldrums and drop us into unusual cheeriness as it has done most recently.

So, there you have it: Half of this column’s words are devoted to talking about the weather, and I have fulfilled my newspaperly duty.

Here’s where I’m going:

Isn’t it lovely outside?! (Duh.) These 80s days have gotten me ever-more excited about the prospects of summer fun with my children. Despite — or, maybe because of — having to hit the books hard for several more weeks of complicated physiology, I am eager to launch summer and have compiled a list of five things we hope to do.

Let me share these ideas with you, and if you have others to share with us, be in touch. In fact, if you want to join us for a “Whole Family Activity Tour” or whatever, the more the merrier!



My short list includes activities that are relatively local and inexpensive. You’ll have to do some more homework if you need more information; I’ve provided contact numbers and web sites.

Some of these are things I’ve considered for years and just have never done. This year we are going to use these summer activities as motivation to get work done around the house. You know — work now, then you get to play? Here’s hoping it helps tiny hands stay more busy at the weeds in the garden.

• Ruthmere Mansion

www.ruthmere.org

302 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart

Phone: 574.264.0330

I grew up in Elkhart and yet never have visited this local historic landmark! The mansion was built in 1910 by the Beardsley family, prominent pillars in Elkhart’s history. The grounds include lovely gardens. Offered are guided tours and special events, like concerts and ice cream socials. Exciting this year is the opening of the Havilah Beardsley house a couple doors west. I’ve been in that one several times but look forward to a new visit. Open to the public April 1.

• Maple Lane Wildlife Farm

7410 West 700 South

Topeka, Indiana 46571

Voice Mail: 260.593.2248, ext. 1

www.wildlifefarm.weebly.com

LaVern Yoder, we want to come see you! I have passed this gem several times, and each time thought, “We need to come out here.” So, this summer it is. This wildlife farm is in the heart of Topeka. And CAMEL RIDES are advertised! I’m not sure about camels in Amish country, but I’m up for anything. Opens May 28, according to the web site.

• Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

www.kidszoo.org

3411 Sherman Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN  46808

Phone: 260.427.6800

While we have a great zoo in South Bend, Potawatomi Zoo (www.potawatomizoo.org) that we visit, I think it’s worth the 65 miles to Fort Wayne (65 for me) to visit the zoo there. After all, there’s a sky ride over a bunch of zebras. What else could you want? Opens April 21.

• Little River Railroad

www.littleriverrailroad.com

29 W. Park Ave., Coldwater, MI 49036

260.316.0529 or 574.215.0751

This steam-locomotive train is a little farther and a little more expensive than your typical Sunday afternoon excursion, but I’ve heard it’s worth it, especially for children. The railroad offers regular trips and special “holiday” events. Essentially, you get to ride the train and learn a little about railroad history.

• Curious Kids’ Museum

www.curiouskidsmuseum.org

415 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, MI 49085

269.983.2543

This is another one that’s not so “local” for most of us, but I’ve been to St. Joseph’s Silver Beach, and I think it’s worth a day trip. If it’s a rainy day, likely just the museum would do. If it’s a nice day and I’m feeling especially perky, we might try for the beach and the museum.

One last mention. For several years, I’ve thought it would be fun to go to the annual hot air balloon festival in Battle Creek, Mich. With younger children and, well, life, we’ve just never made it. But this year the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be there for an all-out air show. I’m so not a speed freak, but the Thunderbirds, well, they’re just cool.

Battle Creek is only about 70 miles northeast, about as far as Fort Wayne is for us. Not bad. Check it out:

• Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival

W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Mich.

June 28 to July 1, 2012

www.bcballoons.com

Call 269.962.0592 for information.

Goshen News columnist Stephanie Price is a wife, mother, teacher, childbirth educator, midwife’s assistant and nursing student living in Union, Mich. Contact her a¬¬t wholefamily@goshennews.com, 269-641-7249 or on Facebook at the page “Whole Family Column by Steph Price.”