Signs of Spring are Most Welcome

Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!” — Robin Williams
The incredible spring-like weather we were blessed with Saturday and Sunday was just what the doctor ordered.

How great it was to be able to enjoy being outside without a biting wind or threat of rain. Sometimes it’s easy to forget why the South is the greatest part of the country to live. This past weekend’s weather was a nice reminder.

Considering we have already suffered through a rough winter (I still have nightmares about that week-long snow/ice storm), the fact that spring is upon us can only be viewed as a welcome arrival. Officially, spring rolls in Sunday and hopefully we have said our farewells to Old Man Winter for another go around.

Normally by the time the weekend finally arrives I find myself barely able to continue. Work is still work, regardless of how much I enjoy it, and the long hours and stressful pace can easily overtake me. However, this weekend was different. I found myself not as exhausted Saturday and even managed to get out of bed earlier than normal.

By the time Sunday arrived, I knew it was time to tackle a chore I knew needed to be done: shaping up the yard. While the grass is still dormant at this point, I had been invaded by every kind of weed imaginable in my yard.

The first cutting of the year had things looking better as the weeds (although colorful, they are still weeds) were done away with, at least for now. With a beautiful Georgia sky above, the sun hit my face and I could tell I had been outside working for a couple of hours.

It’s tough to decide whether spring or fall is the more enjoyable season. Winter and summer are tossed out because of their extreme nature but spring and fall are always welcomed back with open arms.
It seems whether spring or fall is at hand determines which is my current favorite. With flowers and trees starting to bloom and the grass beginning to come to life once again, it is hard to top the pure beauty that is spring.

It crossed my mind as I pushed the lawn mower Sunday that I have been taking care of my yard since 1998.

Taking care of my little area in the world has always been a great stress reliever for me. It helps focus the mind on other things and when the weather shines as it did last weekend, it just feels right to be outside doing something, doing anything.

I’m not naive enough to think we may not see at least one more glimpse of winter before all is said and done. Historically, March can be a brutal month with even snow falling. I can only hope we have left all of that behind us.

The arrival of another spring can easily give a renewed sense of life and help us stay focused on all of our responsibilities, be they at work or otherwise.

With the time changing last weekend, it also allowed us a little more daylight in which to enjoy the picture perfect afternoon Sunday. Even as I write this on Monday, the weather is continuing to cooperate. It’s one of those little things I am thankful for.
From high school baseball to going for walks to even sitting on your front porch, spring can never be too far away for me. It helps recharge our batteries and reminds us of the summer enjoyment which is not far away now.

Spring or fall? Yes, it’s hard to say which one is more enjoyable but one thing I know for sure: I could handle weather like we had last weekend all year long. It was simply an enjoyable, peaceful day to remember in my little neck of the woods.

Monticello native Chris Bridges is editor of the Barrow Journal in Winder. He welcomes feedback from readers of The Monticello News at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.