Welcome to spring break week, one of those cherished moments in Oxford when all schools including Oxford, Lafayette and Ole Miss are out and we get to catch a collective breath.

There aren’t many of these moments in the calendar any more. Oxford has become busy almost year-round, and except for some times like this it never really slows down.

But spring break is different, since it’s one moment that so many leave town and there’s not as much going on in town to bring visitors here.

So this is the week that if you want to eat at your favorite downtown restaurant you can usually walk on in and experience less hustle and bustle. If you want to easily get into your favorite workout class, go ahead. It shouldn’t be crowded.

If you want to jog through campus in the middle of the morning to see the blooming trees and shrubs, you won’t find many people in your way.

The weather is not cooperating at this point, with chilly days and rain in the forecast, but everybody in the eastern half of the U.S. is getting much of the same.

The gift is slower pace, and a good moment to catch your breath and enjoy the break.