When I was young, spring was always a fun season to look forward to. Winters were cold and icy in New Mexico and Texas and spring meant getting to play outside. In Oregon, spring meant wildflowers, walks up the mountain, a new batch of chicks or kittens. During the years we lived in California on the coast, I wasn’t as aware of the four distinct seasons, but living in Arnold has caused me to cherish spring.
I remember many spring rituals. In New Mexico, I remember my mother beating of the carpets out on the clothesline, followed by other spring housecleaning and airing out the house. Easter preparation specially marked by my mother spending time at the sewing machine, making me a new sundress. She boiled up lots of eggs for coloring and hiding. Later there were lots of egg salad sandwiched and deviled eggs. I looked forward to the special music and remembrances of Christ at Easter Sunday services at church. I was amused by the wearing of hats, by women and other little girls. As a child I was never subjected to that particular torture but I always wanted the new dress to wear.
During my teenage years, spring began the tanning time, even if it was cool and sunny sometimes. It was worth being the girl with the tan to show off with the new sundress.
When Joe and I started our own family. Spring was always a time to spray for spiders, clean the windows inside and out, sweeping off the deck and raking in the yard. Getting Easter baskets and clothes for the kiddies. When we first moved to Arnold, the kids were nine, six, two and a babe in arms. The kids all went to Chapel in the Pines, and there were Easter programs and church stuff, and Easter Egg hunts.
2009-2010 has been a long winter for me. We had storm damage, Snow for months and I just couldn’t seem to get warm. I would spend most of my time under my electric blanket reading. The one day we had no electricity, I camped next to the fireplace watching the snow build up outside. Joe has had to practically pry me out of the house. The last few days have been so full of hope. I walk outside and feel the sunshine on my face and hands… I am feeling so blessed and thankful for this particular change of season. There is something about sunshine that makes me happy inside. I love watching the squirrels play in the trees and I love hearing the sounds of birds coming back.
Thank God for a season that can thaw out the heart. Thank goodness for spring.
