waiting for spring

     I know it’s much too early for spring, but it’s nice to think of what’s to come in these next few months and there’s always the little reassurances we see everyday in preparation for such a wonderful season.

     The Governor’s Garden (a few blocks east of the Missouri Capitol) is already planted full of tulip bulbs. Mom usually calls them ‘laurel’s tulips’ since they are in full bloom on my birthday so it's nice to already see the garden signs reading: ‘stay off of tulip beds—bulbs in ground.’ Here’s a preview of what they’ll look like even though the colors vary from year to year. They’re always a pleasant surprise!
    

     
      Our family is famous for our creek walks. Every year we go for creek walks on my birthday since there are no ticks out yet and the young greenery is pleasing to the eye. (It really is quite convenient to have a spring birthday...) There are rocks to climb, tadpoles to admire, and the cheery songbirds to listen to. This is not to mention the deep pools left over from heavy rainfall to swim in and numerous mud fights amongst the more foolish members of our tribe.

     New life is always a sure sign of spring. The picture of this morning dove nest was taken last year when the nest was discovered in our favorite climbing tree. Spring also ushers forth the playful foals on a farm close to our house, the German shepherd puppies we’re expecting this March and on special occasion delicate fawns crossing the back roads close behind their mother.  

Now I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves:

  This is a perfect example of how we spend most
    spring mornings

Soooooooooooooooooooo appealing!

Don’t you see why I love spring? It is the refreshing, jubilant season when everyone rejoices that winter is over at last. When I first started this blog, my first post was about how I love winter. Notice however, that it was written in December when winter in Missouri is just beginning. Now, just the thought of warm weather and growing things has invigorated my mind. I simply cannot wait!
    

  

Homemade bubbles

  I love the strong and graceful steeple against the turmoil
of the clouds

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

     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