Renewal

Spring is always a time when we feel a sense of renewal.  After a long winter and little daylight or sun - longer days and the fresh look of spring plants making their way above ground makes us feel refreshed and new again. 

Longer days and more sunlight start to make us feel warm even when the thermometer still says it's in the upper 30's.  We break out the garden tools and start to ponder what to plant in our gardens this summer.  Visiting family and friends, taking vacations and having barbeques sound like a good excuse to break away from cleaning and/or working.   Soon a sense of excitement, the sound of laughter and music will fill the streets. 

After a few months of hibernating, working on my house, I know I'm looking forward to this.  How about you?  What are you looking forward to this summer?  Share your thoughts.

Spring Already?

Time for spring?  Maybe? 

Today I saw my first signs of spring in Milwaukee.  I found some plants peeking through the ground along the side of my house (on March 7) - seems a little early for that, but guess not.

It seems really weird since over the weekend I took the dogs hiking in Northern Kettle Moraine in the snow.  And then two days later there are spring plants.  I really have to wonder if the poor daffodil popped through the ground early.  It does sit under my dryer vent and along the side of the house that receives all the sun. 

But since I saw my first sign of spring - my thoughts are now changing from snow to what I can do in spring.  Time to bring back out the tent, sleeping bag, hiking boots, etc (although they never really were put away for the winter).  I'm ready to take the dogs on weekend getaways to the great outdoors.  Take a trip back to Utah and Colorado to visit some national parks, do some rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking.  And plan a trip out to the Northwest to do some backpacking in the mountains.  Ok, let spring come but as I already know, this is Wisconsin and winter will not give up easily.  I'm sure we'll see more snow yet. 

Yes, it's time for renewal and rejuvenation as we see all things new again.  Let spring come, turn the world green and enjoy the sunshine.