Nothing makes my heart fuller than the advent of spring. For me it’s the light at the end of the tunnel after another long, dreary Minnesota winter. I wait impatiently for the coming of spring. I’m eager for the first buds of new life, the warmth of sun on my skin and the joyful singing of birds.

 

The days become noticeably longer, and with them my motivation and energy make a reappearance. Sunshine becomes more prevalent, and people, plants and animals begin to emerge from their winter hide-a-ways to step outside, bloom and otherwise welcome spring.

 

Many people consider robins the first sign of spring. I watch for the redwing blackbirds. I love their cheerful, trilling calls when they come back in early March, and my heart lifts, knowing spring is close behind.

 

Woodpeckers begin hammering trees. Male goldfinches return to a vibrant yellow. Robins search for worms and wrens start gathering nesting material. Whooping cranes perform their mating dance. Trumpeter swans fly overhead and the eagles are back in their nests.

 

And every night the frogs in the slough perform a symphony for me. 

 

There’s a scent of freshly turned soil in the air, and a clean, green smell after the rain. The aroma of lilacs, food on the grill and bonfires is everywhere.

 

I’m a gardener, so in the spring my fingers itch to start digging in the ground, I love the tactile texture of dirt between my fingers. I content myself with watching my plants come slowly back to life. Spring flowers, like tulips, daffodils and Virginia Bluebells are the first to emerge, followed closely by iris, lilies and the wildflowers in my field.

 

Rhubarb and asparagus poke their heads up, teasing me with flavors yet to come. The sap in our maple trees starts flowing, with everything underneath becoming covered with the sticky substance.

 

I enjoy doing yard work in the spring, as it gives me a reason to be outside. I suffer from seasonal affective disorder, so the sunny days are a welcome relief. Flower and vegetable gardens are cleaned, and sticks, garbage and “presents” from our dogs are picked up.

 

I don’t even mind (much) the downsides to spring. I’ve already had a woodtick this year, and bugs venture into the house because I don’t have the window screens on yet. The dogs have been tracking mud in for weeks and the thunderstorms we’ve had have sent them into panic mode. I’ve got some allergies. But it beats winter any day of the week.

 

Like Easter, spring is about rebirth and renewal. It promises hope and a new start. Easter is joy, and so is spring. When I step outside I can’t help but take a deep breath and smile, knowing my long-awaited and favorite season is finally here.

 

The late actor/comedian Robin Williams once said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” I couldn’t agree more.

 

So goodbye winter. Hello spring. It’s time to take off my nail polish and play in the dirt.