March 2026
story and artwork by Anne M. Dellinger, Contributing Columnist
Most people do not think much about the wind. After all, it is invisible.
But wind touches everything and is impossible to ignore. This unseen force is a vital part of the world and directly affects daily life, comfort and weather.
Wind is most noticeable when it has a real impact on outdoor activities like boating, sports events, or even carrying in groceries or walking the dog.
Warm, gentle breezes are welcome and can make everyday happenings easier and more enjoyable. In contrast, cold, strong winds can be damaging — even dangerous — and often lead to canceled plans, except for the unavoidable trips to bring in groceries or walk the dog!
It is during the month of March that the wind especially makes its presence known. This is when the battle between the seasons occurs. As winter’s lingering cold air clashes with spring’s approaching warm air, the atmosphere is in turmoil.
Throughout this blustery time of transition, nature’s invisible force dares you to come out and play!
Gusty winds are no fun for spring sports like soccer and baseball, where ball control is essential. Team members know the wind does not play fair, and they dread nature’s sudden outbursts that test their skills. Still, games are seldom canceled, and gritty players dutifully dare to play on.
On the other hand, the kite fliers, pinwheel spinners and bubble blowers gladly dare to play with nature’s unruly force, embracing the random turbulence that keeps the fun going!
As a young child, you may have thought that the wind was magical because it could be sensed but not really grasped. You could see and often hear wind’s effect when leaves rustled, snowflakes swirled or a balloon was quickly snatched out of your small hand. However, you had no understanding of wind simply being invisible, moving air, composed of important gases like oxygen and nitrogen. Now, older and wiser, you are learning that wind’s behavior is influenced by differences in temperature and air pressure, along with Earth’s rotation. Even though the wind may no longer feel magical to you, it remains a fascinating force to witness, particularly when it plays with these familiar items:
For those who want a more hands-on exploration of the wind, several simple wind tools can be made at home.
The wind sock streamers and anemometer are simple to create and give visual clues about wind direction and speed. Do an online search for these items to find how-to directions, photos and videos to help you create your own.
Another interesting and more challenging DIY project is the wind tunnel that measures wind’s various forces. If you enjoy developing your engineering design skills, this site may be helpful: dafstem.us/wind-tunnel.
Wind has been called the breath of the planet and without it, life, as we know it, would be impossible.
Its mighty, invisible force affects everything from climate and agriculture to ocean currents and global energy.
But despite scientific understanding of how wind works, it is still viewed as a mysterious marvel that inspires wonder and respect.
Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it roars. But it is always there, invisible and stirring everything. Will you dare to go out and enjoy it?
Zinnia Seeds!
Zinnia seeds are ready for you — and the wind — to scatter in your garden. The pollinators are waiting! Send $2 and a self-addressed (4×9 or 6×9) envelope with two stamps to: Anne M. Dellinger, 3328 Red Banks Road, Mt. Jackson, VA 22842
CALLING ALL SUPER SLEUTHS
Meet Owlbert, the new face of the Super Sleuth Corner while Hay Seed and City Slicker are taking time off. Like the two former sleuths, Owlbert will encourage you to follow directions and answer several questions relating to the main article and then invite you to submit your findings for a chance to win a $25 Amazon email gift card.
Let’s get started … Have you ever wondered where the windiest place on earth is located? According to science, Guinness World Records and National Geographic Atlas, there is a location where consistently high winds average 50 mph and can reach 200 mph. This great force of nature happens in an extremely cold place where the heavy, dense air flows down an icy plateau to the coast, creating super-strong winds.
- In the March 2026 Cooperative Living magazine, find a drawing of the continent where the windiest place on Earth is located, then give the page number.
- Give the name of the windiest place.
- What are some ways that you have played with the wind, such as flying a kite or participating in outdoor sports like soccer, baseball or track? Was the experience fun or frustrating?
Submit your answers via the form below co-opliving.com/super-sleuth or send answers with name, address and phone number to:
Cooperative Living Super Sleuths
4201 Dominion Blvd., Suite 101
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Kids Korner submissions are for children under the age of 16.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER SUPER SLEUTH WINNER
The November-December Super Sleuths was about the history of socks. For a chance to win a $25 Amazon email gift card, kids were asked to find the image of a pair of special socks hidden in the magazine and then provide the page number it was hidden on. They were also asked to name the style of the sock, as well as state whether they own a pair of them and whether they like to wear them.
- Page 24
- Tube Socks
- “Yes, they are comfy in my boots and high-top shoes.”
OUR WINNER IS EMMA
Southside Electric Cooperative member
Congratulations, Emma!