The First Day of Spring

March 20th is the first day of Spring. What is it about spring that gives us an extra bounce in our step? In the upper Midwest where I call home, the first day of spring lets us know that winter is behind us and once again we will be able to go outside without bundling up in winter gear. I have already started opening windows to remove the stale air from the house, and Joel has removed the blankets of leaves covering our hibernating flowers. Viewing the outdoors from my sofa sanctuary, I have noticed the robins are back in full force and the squirrels and rabbits are busy with their own spring festivities. The time change has also had a positive affect on all of us with darkness holding off till 7:30pm. Of course up here in north country nature has been known to bring us a few snow storms even into April, but for today I am not thinking about that. Spring has officially arrived and I am looking forward to our having a little more color in my view. Last fall Joel planted a few tulips around our mailbox so I am waiting for them to pop out of the ground! We have peonies and "wild" day lilies that will soon begin their journey out of the earth, and the neighbors lilac bushes and our crab apple tree will both send sweet fragrances our way. Everything is coming alive once again...

There is another reason I enjoy March 20th, the first day of spring....it is my birthday. Today I am 61 years old. Last year when celebrating I was over the top at turning 60...because with the health issues I have dealt with, I never thought I would reach age 60! I was thrilled to get there and made the decision to enjoy every day from then on. I remember saying often last year, I am still here! I am 60 and I am still here! This year at age 61, I am better...not where I want to be, but not where I was by any means. I was talking to Joel about it last night because while living in the trenches of Lyme treatment I often lose perspective on seeing any improvement ~~but Joel does not, and I grasp tightly to the positives he sees in my health. There are plenty of other blessings to focus on from this past year also.....our "winter season" seems to be over (1 house...1 mortgage :) and we are able to enjoy the newness of spring. I have so much to be grateful for, so much to look forward to!

Today I am grateful for another birthday ~ cards and letters to enjoy, phone calls from family, a fun visit from our son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids, and an afternoon and evening at home with my hubby. Spring is here, I am still here, and along with tulips, spring rains, robins, and the first day of a new season ~ I am able to celebrate my birthday enjoying family, hugging a few grandkids, and looking forward to what this year will bring!

Photos by Renee and Joel