Winter wanes and signs of spring abound.
The Missouri Legislature is enjoying its spring break, as is the Jefferson City Public School District.
The outdoor burning season in Jefferson City ends Thursday, although brisk March winds already have diminished the practice.
And, beginning at 2 a.m. Sunday, Daylight Saving Time begins.
Daylight Saving Time, as we all know, is the time when we adjust our clocks one hour ahead in the spring and one hour back in the fall.
For the temporally challenged, the reminder is "spring forward" and "fall back."
Daylight Saving Time is not universally revered. It is, in fact, frequently reviled.
The time change, according to WebMD, disrupts our internal body clock, known as our circadian rhythm. The disruption may affect memory, concentration and performance. It may cause fatigue and daytime sleepiness.
The loss of sleep associated with Daylight Saving Time in the spring has been linked to increased traffic accidents and workplace mishaps.
The website advises people to phase in enjoyment of the extra evening hour of daylight. Also recommended is exposure to bright light as soon as possible after awakening.
Daylight Saving Time also serves as a twice-yearly reminder for people to replace the batteries in smoke detectors.
As we change batteries, reset clocks and endure grogginess this weekend, remember also that spring has not arrived, yet.
The first day of spring is March 20, despite some of the spring-like temperatures and conditions Central Missourians have enjoyed this winter.