So this is spring in Northern Virginia? Perhaps ‘Bama-land wasn’t so bad!

“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, Tom Sawyer

Indeed!

Winter still has a tenacious, though waning, grasp in our neck of the woods. We may get to a balmy forty degrees today. Nearly out of March our area has been colder than normal. At least we have had sunshine these past couple of days; I am not complaining …much.   I’m just mighty tired of mittens, scarves, and all the extra layers in general. Forecasters say we should see a warming trend, starting tomorrow.  To that I say….Come on spring…get here already!   I’m restless and impatient for your arrival.  I’m ready for long walks and cycle rides and pots full of geraniums….I’m ready for green everywhere and explosions of color.  And, dare I admit, I am ready to throw windows and closets open for spring cleaning; out with stuffy and in with fresh.

Yesterday as I walked The Poodle in the cold breeze of a sunny afternoon after a Palm Sunday late brunch with family,  I frowned at stubborn piles of snow in places from our snow storm a week ago.  Yet I am warmed by the thought that spring is nigh!   Forsythia around the neighborhood are just starting to bloom, their vibrant yellow flowers a stark contrast to the snow beneath them.  Yearning for spring, images of poppies and pansies, hydrangea and hollyhock filled my head, to say nothing of ocean breezes and warm sand.  I’m green with envy of those folks already posting their spring-break photos from beaches near and far.

Feeling like a caged lion, I’ve got a spring fever itch to get out of Dodge in search of warmer climes.  Alas, circumstances won’t allow for a beach get-away for a while.  I’m cool with that.  My “this too shall pass” mantra keeps me fairly grounded these days.  It’s paramount in keeping the purple minion locked away.

I’m more than eager for the new beginnings spring brings.  As I “roll with it” I continue to count my blessings still with the aim of using less expletives each day.

Yes…as always, I am a work in progress and proud if it.

Spring is coming!