On All Things Spring

I don’t know about you but I am ready for spring and spring break.  Virtual school has been tough this year and my son and I are ready for a break. Not yet sure what we will do, but having some down time will be most appreciated.  Perhaps time to sleep in, time to see some family and friends (I hope), and time to spend the day reading or on a fun hobby.

Spring is a lovely time of year with the trees budding, the birds chirping a lot, the day being longer, and nature coming back to life. I enjoy how it looks and feel positive. I like the sun and days being longer.  But on the other hand, my allergies always kick in. They have done that today for me and it hasn’t been exactly the day I planned to have.

The seasonable allergy meds help, the hot drinks help, the soup helps, and so does rest. I have found I have to take time to rest, relax, and perhaps take a nap in order to get better. Every year, I have a flareup — at least once in the spring and once in the fall.  I have been taking medication that does help but still, the pollen, trees, grass, etc. still seem to get me.  Sheesh.

Spring is a great time to walk where I live. There is often a chill in the air. Or there is just enough warmth to be comfortable, but not yet humid. So, I am trying to do that a lot. I joined a virtual running/walking group and have walked 12 1/2 miles so far. I still have a long way to go to meet my goal but this amount is big for me.  I haven’t exercised as much as I should and am trying to change that.

Also in the spring is one of my favorite times — Holy Week and Easter. It is a time to reflect on what our faith is all about. It is a time to be reminded of life after death. It is a time to remember my son’s late father/my late husband. Well, we think of him all the time, just Easter was a big family time with egg hunts, early services, breakfast, special music, and dressing up. This year will be different but we will still enjoy it.

After nature and many animals are dormant, spring is the time that life blossoms and blooms again. I went on a walk last week on one of our first warm days. I developed a major case of spring fever. It was nice to be outside when it was sunny and warm. The sky was clear blue with no clouds and it was beautiful.

Here are a few quotes about spring:

• “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'” — Robin Williams
• “In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” — Margaret Atwood
• “Exciting spring smells waft through wide open windows.” — David J. Beard
• “Spring translates earth’s happiness into colorful flowers.” — Terri Guillemets
• “Spring is here! I’m so excited I wet my plants.” — Internet meme
• “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four-and-twenty hours.” — Mark Twain

Perfect Spring Day!

Hi and Happy Tuesday.  This afternoon is the perfect spring day.  I was able to enjoy it during my walk to and from school.

I walked by myself to go pick up Ian and enjoyed the sights and sounds.  On the way back home, I enjoyed listening to him talk about his day.  These moments are so very special.

I took this photo last spring and still think it is lovely.

Our perfect spring day:

• The sky is a deep blue
• The sun is out and shining
• The wind is blowing
• A slight chill is in the air
• In the sun, it is warm and toasty
• In the shade, there is a hint of cool
• No humidity
• The wind is blowing
• The flowers are blooming
• The trees are budding
• Birds are chirping
• Dogs are barking in their excitement of seeing us
• The grass is growing
• The mulch is being placed in yards
• The neighborhood bunnies are hopping around
• Kids are riding their bicycles
• Neighbors are walking

I love the spring and life beginning yet again.  It is lovely.  This is one of the benefits of living in a state with four seasons.  I feel so very blessed.

The only thing I don’t like is that my allergies often act up.  So, I regularly take allergy medication and still enjoy our walks.  I hope to continue to do so.

A few quotes on spring:

• Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”  ~ Robin Williams
• In Spring, everything is full of promise… The child sporting upon the lawn, and the season, sympathize together, and nature rejoices in her virgin loveliness. ~ Charles Lanman
• No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~ Proverb
• In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. ~ Margaret Atwood

May you have a wonderful spring day.

Throwback Thursday – Spring Fever

“A pretty flower for you Mommy?  Would you like it?”   For today’s Throwback Thursday, I decided to use an old spring picture of Ian.  He seems to be making that offer, doesn’t he?  I love his enthusiasm and sharing of a flower — actually a dandelion.

This was taken quite a few years ago on Easter Sunday.  He had a lot of fun that day getting an Easter basket, seeing his cousins, and going on an Easter egg hunt.  He also liked the service and all of the music. This Easter will include much of the same things.

In the meantime, we are getting spring fever.  The weather has drastically warmed up in the last few days.  We are enjoying it and making the most of the nice weather.  Walking home from school is even more fun as the warm breeze blows through our hair.

On the other hand, we are all sneezing quite a bit since something seems to be blooming.  Spring allergies always seem to get me, although I love to watch the trees and flowers come back to life.

This weekend, I will be working on my toenails so I can wear my flip-flops again.  These are my go to shoes for spring and summer.  I haven’t done much for them in the last few months since I have been in socks most days.  We will also be getting out our shorts and short-sleeved shirts again.

On our walk home from school yesterday, Ian reminded me that spring isn’t for weeks.  He added that it sure feels nice and warm Mom.  I think that the first day of spring is March 20, so it is sooner than I realized.

A few things I am grateful for today are:

• Ice cold glasses of water
• Walks home with a sweet boy
• Our upcoming spring break
• Time with family and friends
• The change in our routine during spring break
• Flip-flops and sunglasses
• Short sleeved shirts
• Time outside with my hubby and son
• Catching up this weekend with old and dear friends
• Anticipation of Holy Week
• Easter and all of the fun involved
• Girls Night Out at the end of the month
• The First Day of Spring

I found a few great quotes about Spring:

• “Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.” ~ Lewis Grizzard
• “Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”  ~ Robin Williams
• “It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want — oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~ Mark Twain
• “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” ~ Anne Bradstreet
• “Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.” ~ Virgil A. Kraft
• “In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” ~ Margaret Atwood

I wonder what this spring will bring?  I don’t know about you but I cannot wait to find out!