spring.

Spring has finally arrived. If you live somewhere like Florida, or Texas, or California, this may not seem like a big deal. It's almost May, for pete's sake. But if you live in New England, you know what an accomplishment this is. After a winter of record snowfall and a cold weather that just wouldn't quit, you'd know. You'd know that this is news as exciting as the Royal Wedding. It is almost hard for my eyes to believe the buds, the green, the color. It is real. It is not just a mirage or a trick of my mind. Spring is here.

On our walk we saw bright yellows and deep purples. We saw squirrels scurrying and a bunny hop. We saw plant shoots and buds on trees. But pictures alone don't do it justice.



We heard birds chirping their celebratory songs as they excitedly flew from tree to tree. We heard the laughter of children playing on swing sets and the break of a ball on the bat as little league practice began.

As the wind blew over my shoulders and through my hair, it brought with it the scents of freshly cut grass and grilled corn. It brought with it the promise of warmer weather, shorter nights and days spent in the sunshine. It brought with it hopes that were all but dashed in winter.