Is it possible? Spring is almost here!

I hate to continue talking about the weather, but this past winter has been extremely, well, extreme. I admit to having enjoyed the snow, especially on the days when Max and I couldn't get out of the house. I felt somewhat like Laura and Mary in the Little House series; when I read those books, especially the ones that dealt with winter, I wondered what it would be like to see nothing but snow for such a long time. This year, I found out!

Then after the snows, I felt as if I would be permanently depressed because of the cold, damp, gray air that pushed through even the warmth of the "growing and framing" fire in the fireplace. I have been looking fervently and with dedication for the signs that erupt to comfort me every year, telling me that the long winter will soon be over: budding grape hyacinths, brilliant yellow forsythia's wildly waving arms, pink spears that push up through the vinca and mulch to become pink and white peonies, tips of pointy green variegated leaves leading the way for the coral tulips to herald Easter's coming yet again. The signs, though, have so far remained hidden.

And then yesterday, when the sun was out and the air was warm and welcoming, I saw one of the signs - not one I was looking for, but one that nevertheless told me that spring was going to be here soon. I saw weeds - flowering weeds. Even that made me happy! And then I looked a little more closely and saw the tulip leaves, and a lump in the ground that portends sweet-smelling hyacinths. The peonies are still underground, but I know they are there. I can wait for a while.

Spring and Easter remind me of each other. They signify resurrection and rebirth after a long and dreary winter, and a resurgence of hope for the sore human heart.

So now, I wait somewhat impatiently for what I know is to come, and hope that I will enjoy every bit of it when it arrives.