Teresa Holland
How great it is that warm days are almost finally back! Of course, it snowed the morning after I wrote this. After all, it is March in Indiana.
But the early daffodils are still in full bloom and their bright yellow makes even our occasional gloomy day seem brighter and full of promise.
Yes! I’m excited for spring, though this winter hasn’t really been so bad, except for the cold.
With the return of flowers comes the return of more walks. Time to go outside and stretch our legs. With more pleasant weather and more daylight hours after work, we can get ready by unburying the bikes, scooters, basketballs or other equipment needed for the many activities that are starting up again. Time to get out, breathe some fresh air and see if there have been any changes to where you like to go warm-weather walking. It won’t be long until we have outdoor concerts again.
We already have the porch ready for some serious porch sitting and actually had a recent day that was 70 degrees… so there we were. Not only did it feel good to be back out into our “summer room,” but the best part was seeing our neighbors and talking again after being cooped up inside all winter. A couple of houses have gained new furry family members, while some of the kids on the street hit a growth spurt and are noticeably taller. Cars and trucks would pass by on their way home from work with a honk and a big friendly wave. A wave as if to say, “Hey, you’re back!”
It won’t be long until our frost date of April 26 has passed, at least according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, and then it is a good bet that you can plant a few seeds or plants. Maybe even give each of the kids their very own packet of seeds of something fun to grow. Who can grow the tallest sunflower, a bouquet of pretty zinnias to gift someone, or the biggest zucchini? Maybe it’s time to take them to a local orchard again.
Robins are hopping about the yard and some birds are already trying to find places to start building their nests. If you are a birdwatcher, you might have even noticed that the goldfinches are changing into their “summer” clothes where their feathers are already turning more yellow. Or maybe you heard the Sandhill Cranes recently flying and calling overhead.
The return of spring is a time for celebration, where we can appreciate new life, the return of flowers and blue skies. A time to walk on that new trail that you keep driving by and saying, “Maybe when it’s warmer.” New days are here, more opportunities to get outside and take the family to explore and play… even if you have to drag them. But bribing them with ice cream is usually easier.
So, take time out. If you’re tired of being in and staying at home, find a trail or park. Both are free … except for the ice-cream. Sounds like a sweet deal to me.
Teresa Holland is a guest columnist, writer, and retired advanced-practice registered nurse.
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