The 'rites' and 'wrongs' of Spring

   Although the official arrival of Spring, according to the calendar, is March 21, for those of us who live well north the Mason-Dixon Line, Spring's arrival often occurs well into April. While some sing of April showers, many pray for no more Patriot Day surprises.

   March 21 is more than a date on the calendar. It is a state of mind. It is a rebirth, a new beginning, as we  emerge from the cold and darkness of winter. Thoughts of snow shoveling and skiing, icy roads and school closings turn to Red Sox baseball, planting the garden and cleaning up those little brown mounds in the yard thanks to the dog. (But we still love him.)

   Spring generally signals different activities around the house, activities that have almost become traditions; the 'rites of Spring.'

    The seeds for the garden are purchased, planted and placed in sunny window locations throughout the house. The lawn furniture gets its annual scrubbing and if one is feeling really energetic, the windows might even get washed.
   The wardrobe changes too. Sweaters and dark clothes are replaced by short sleeves and light, bright colors.

   There are some 'social rites' as well. Neighbors may see each other for the first time since raking  leaves last Fall. Our neighborhood is loaded with trees and lots of leaves. It's always a busy time. Most of my leave blow on to my neighbor's property.     
   The garages get cleaned out and  the yard sale signs go up as neighbors swap those unwanted items from one garage to another.

   It's been a seemingly long winter this year since the snow didn't really begin until the later part of January and since then, it feels as though it hasn't stopped.
   But, there is truly nothing quite as enjoyable as that first really warm day and ....we are still waiting for that day to arrive. Fresh, warm air can't be that hard to come by, and  I don't really consider 35 a mild early Spring day. I want one of those surprise 50 degree day!!

   There are some 'wrongs' of Spring as well. Not cleaning up the garden after the last bloom in the Fall makes it hard  to get ready for the springtime planting. Include raking the leaves into that thought too. It has only been the last several years that I have come to understand the importance of getting rid of the leave in the fall and how much easier it makes yard work in the spring. Fewer blisters on my hands too. Gloves? Real men don't wear gloves to do yard work.

   Forgetting to drain the gasoline from the lawn mower is another 'wrong'. It is difficult enough to start that aged lawn mower engine, let alone have old gas in the tank.  That E-10 stuff is terrible for lawn mowers and there is talk of increasing it to E-15. Ouch! That cord snapping around my fingers really hurts. Maybe it's time to think about a new mower with an electric starter.

   All winter long, I  heard the scurrying of little feet and thought it was the neighbor's cat, only to  find that a family of squirrels had spent the winter, not in Florida, but in a far away corner of the garage. So that's where all the bird seed went!

   But there is one thing we all know. We all  know, somehow,  when winter is finally over. We know the day! It smells different, looks different and feels different. To not get out and enjoy that day, even if it's only a short break at lunch, is a feeling you could miss this year and  have to wait until next year.

   I just looked out the window. I can't believe it is still snowing today and more predicted for the coming week. Please.........!!!!!!