What April Means to Us. And, Mustang or Camaro?

April is traditionally a time of renewal and new beginnings. Spring flowers, warmer weather, (often) Easter and more. So we asked our TJM family for their thoughts about the month.

Also, since April 17th marked the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the Ford Mustang, we asked an optional bonus question: Would you choose the Mustang or its classic pony car rival, the Chevrolet Camaro?

Here’s what we said:

Lena Ruotolo

April is honestly more of a season of love for me than February is! 

Chance and I started dating on April 18, 2009, (which was 15 years ago, when I was a freshman in high school!), and we got married on April 22, 2017. We actually wanted to get married on the 18th, so that we could just remember that first date and never have to think of another one.

But in a strange turn of events, it turned out that that was when my grandmother married my grandfather. My family was a little iffy on using the same date twice because they can be a little superstitious, so we pushed it back to Earth Day and gave everyone succulents as wedding favors! 

I wonder if any of those succulents are still alive? Mine sure isn't. But my love is! And because we're saps, we do at least a little something for both days. And even if spring is less moderate here in Florida than in other places, I can't complain about the return of beach weather.

Matt Fischer

April to me means we get some ideal Florida weather. The weather that one dreams about, the weather that one moves to Florida for, the cool mornings and warm afternoons. The snowbirds are leaving the state, and school is still in session for a short while, and that means we can enjoy many of Florida’s natural attractions with minimal crowds before the summer/vacation rush. April is that sweet spot before it’s too hot and too crowded, truly one of the better times of the year in Florida.

Bonus question: Camaro. Hands down.  Not even a question one has to think about. My first car was a 1981 Camaro Z-28, so I am biased. Also, when Michael Bay looked to recast the Transformer Bumble Bee in the 2007 blockbuster ‘Transformers’, he chose a Camaro, NOT a Mustang to play one of the lead characters. If it’s good enough for the Autobots, it’s good enough for me.

A Mustang did make an appearance in the Transformers franchise but not until Dark of the Moon in 2011 where the Mustang was not only a cop car, but it was also a Decepticon.  In summary: Camaro = Good, Mustang = Bad. [Editor’s Note: Some folks are probably gonna disagree with that ... see next comment.]

Shannon Moore

April often makes me smile because of April Fools’ Day.  It always makes me giggle to see people's creativity when it comes to the jokes.  Earth Day, Easter and the spring flowers are a huge plus too. 

Regarding the cars, yeah, for sure Mustang, lol. Can't possibly imagine what would have any influence on that whatsoever.  [Editor’s Note: We suspect the original 1964 ½ Wimbledon White Mustang convertible sitting in her driveway might have just a little influence …]

Anthony Caruso

I look forward to April every year, ‘cause football ends in February and the NFL draft takes place for 4 days. Fun watching with friends. Baseball season is just starting too. And it’s the end of hockey season with the playoffs just starting.

But the best April ever was April 29, 2021. It’s when my wife Lucy and I first met and had our first date. After that day, we knew we belonged together.

We spent that night talking all about our high school days. We went to the same high school and graduated the same year. but never knew each other. What a coincidence, and the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Rick Cundiff

I enjoy April here in Florida because it’s the start of longer days, with more evening light. It’s usually the last month until autumn that it’s cool enough to be outside comfortably. The snowbirds are headed back “up north,” so the roads, restaurants, shops and theaters are less crowded.

April is the birth month of a friend I’ve known since second grade. She and her husband got married in April as well – on the anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion -- so that’s worth celebrating too. It’s also the month I started my first full-time job after college, many moons ago.

As for the cars, I’ll go with the Mustang because it’s the original. Although I am fond of first-generation (1967-69) Camaros too.

Justin MacDonald

My youngest son was born in April, so I think of him and April Fools’ Day.  I have REALLY fallen off on my pranks these past few years and it’s more than upsetting to me.  I might just start planning now for next year.  I like the long con pranks anyway. 

Speaking of my youngest son AND pranks, I just had a memory pop up from when I tried to get ice out of my refrigerator and a Fritos chip landed in my cup.  I was confused and opened the door to find the dispenser filled with Fritos and a very loud “I GOT YOU SO GOOD!” behind me.  That was my son’s idea of a prank when he was six.  Picture for proof:

[Editor’s Note: The kid is obviously a (corn) chip off the old block.]

Also, I’m a Mustang guy, because I’m a Ford guy, because apparently everything in life is tribal and I too choose to pick sides. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t also appreciate some beautiful Camaros. 

Matt Maio 

April to me is letting me know it’s almost time for beaches, springs and snorkeling. It’s the nice part of the year where its not too hot and humid, like the next 4 months will be.

I’m a motorhead, so I like Mustangs and Camaros. If I had to choose between the two, I would like a ‘67 Camaro RS/SS convertible with the 396 and a Muncie 4-speed. I would like it in Le Mans Blue with the white racing stripes. Please let me know when I can pick that up. [Editor’s Note: It’s on back order, Matt. We’ll keep you posted.]

If that’s not available I would take a 1988 Mustang convertible white with red interior like the one that Vanilla Ice drove in the "Ice, Ice Baby" music video. [Editor’s Note: Word to your mother.]