What Exactly Are We Saving?

This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.

---

Very mixed feelings here about the change in daylight-saving time. You do know you're supposed to move your clocks ahead this weekend, right?

The change is three weeks earlier than usual. I know the government's intentions are good, saving energy and all, but daylight-saving time is about the beginning of spring. Not the calendar's spring, but real spring.

When daylight-saving time begins, you can mow the lawn after supper. What are you going to mow now — slush? When daylight-saving time begins, you can start cleaning off the patio furniture, for soon you will be able to sit outside — even if it is with a jacket on — and enjoy the sun.

This three-week early sun is still too far away. It is closer to February than April. They say it can take up to a week to adjust to a one-hour time change. And frankly, this three-week-early time change is giving me fits.

I will dutifully change my clocks this weekend, but you can't make me think it is spring.

---

Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.

By Harry Smith