Hope springs eternal!

The weather here has been weird lately. A couple of weeks ago we got several inches of snow. Naturally, it fell on a day when I had a lot of running around to do.

But we got over it, I didn't wreck the car, and eventually the weather warmed up. Late last week, we saw temperatures in the 70s. Aside from wreaking havoc with my joints and giving me bigtime sinus headaches, changes in the weather don't really bother me that much.

But I'm ready for spring now. The signs are there!

Friday afternoon, I picked up Drama Princess at home after work and we went to the dress shop to see her new formal and arrange for alterations. When we got back home, I happened to glance over at the little flower bed that runs along my front porch.

"Look, DP!" I shouted. "My daffodils are coming up!"

Sure enough, several bunches of little green spears are poking up out of the ground. Some actually have little buds that will one day burst open to reveal bright yellow blooms. I can't wait.

I rushed into the house and dragged His Nibs out to see this wonderful sign of glory to come. And lo! Not only are my daffodils coming up, but I already have one lovely purple crocus on the other side of the front steps. Wait, there's more! Last fall, a dear friend separated a bazillion irises and gave some to me. I planted those around the autumn flame maple tree we planted in the front yard several years ago. Those irises are coming up as well. I don't even know what color(s) they will be, but the surprise will be well worth the wait.

The tree has buds on it, as do my burning bushes and even my blueberry bushes, although my raspberries are still dormant and I don't expect fruit on any of them this year. Still, I'm very excited about these signs of new life.

I'm not much of a gardener, but His Nibs and I put in four beds last year and planted a few vegetables and herbs, and some tomatoes. Because we planted late in the year, we didn't get much, but we're ready this year. I'm already making lists and scoping out seeds and contemplating requesting cuttings from friends and watching to see when my favorite nursery reopens for the season. I'm spending more time outdoors, walking the dog and just looking over my garden beds and mentally planning where I'll be putting in the tomatoes and squash and peppers and herbs this year. His Nibs and I are discussing where to plant and store root vegetables. We're kicking around ideas for our flower beds, too.

Spring will bring its share of chores that need to be done as well, to be sure: Siding that needs to be fixed, some painting we'll have to do, yard work, windows to replace. It'll be time-consuming and, no doubt, expensive and definitely hard work. Somehow, though, when it's your own little nest, it doesn't seem so daunting. I'm looking forward to sprucing things up on the outside of my home.

I may even go so far as to plant a spruce or two.