Spring Renewal

Spring has officially been here for nearly two weeks and outside life is blossoming.  (Inside life is blooming as well, which I'll get to.)  While the temperatures today don't necessarily feel like spring (we're only in the 40s...I need better temperatures...PLEASE), we are moving towards warmer and brighter days.  Again, even though it doesn't feel like it today...it's chilly and overcast with drizzle.  Personally, I wish the drizzle would stop and we would get a good soaking rain.  Because if it's going to be wet, let's go all in.  Let's have a good downpour!

Why do I want rain when I am such a sun worshipper?  They say April showers bring May flowers and I'm all in for that (although I'd like my flowers sooner please), that's not the reason I want rain.  You see, another sign of spring renewal here is the "opening" of the pond.  What does that entail?  The netting that is placed over it for the winter is removed.  The critters which reside there are temporarily removed.  (I say critters because in addition to the fish yesterday the pond guys also removed a couple of frogs, newts and a lone salamander.)  The pond is drained and cleaned (lots of gunk grows).

  Then the pond is refilled and the critters put back.  But filling the pond is a long process. 

The critters are put back when there is enough water for them to survive, but getting the pond full...well, we started the refill at around 2 PM and turned it off for the night around 7:30.  This morning we started again and we've got a long way to go.  (I will try not to freak out when my water bill comes.)  So a good solid rain would do me (and our pond) good.

Once it's filled the rain and cold can go away.  I need to bring back out the cafe table and chairs so that we can sit outside and relax as the fish swim around.  (And I have thanked God/the universe for keeping the fish safe over the cold, snowy and icy winter.  They seem to be doing just great and there are so many of them!)  The crocuses bloomed last week.

  Daffodils seem to be making their move.  A few have bloomed.  Others seem to be posed to do the same.  There seem to be more this year.  (They can take over the yard and I'd have no qualms about it.)  The forsythia are slowly blooming and I know there are tulips out there that just need a little extra "oomph" of warmth.  Yes, I am excited about this spring rebirth.

To really enjoy it, I do need a clean-up.  It was a particularly brutal winter which brought down bits and pieces of trees and plants.  I can (and will) do some, but I'm anxious for the new landscaping company to come by and make everything pretty.  (Note: I was fine with the "old" company, but the owner has sold/handed over part of his business as he is about to be or has been deployed overseas.  Yes, that weighs on my mind and I keep him in my prayers.)  I have no idea how much this is going to cost, but it needs to be done and hopefully sooner rather than later.  (Stay tuned...)

But spring isn't just outside...inside my house plants have started to bloom and grow.  Last year I made (with some help) a resurrection garden (it was a church thing). 

4 plants in a container along with a "tomb" and a cross with moss surrounding everything.  Things did not go too well.  Two of the plants seemed to die and the moss turned brown.  However, I kept water and encouraging it and...Well it seems to be doing pretty darned good.  But you be the judge.

Also, I have 3 orchid plants that were my mom's.  Somehow, I have managed to keep them alive as well.  Even when they don't look so great, I given them water and sunshine.  (I "talk" to them too.)  Once again I am amazed as two of the three have bloomed.  The third one shows some promise as well.  I'll keep caring for them and hoping that I can keep them blooming yearly in memory of my mom.

Spring is a time of renewal.  Dare I say a time of rebirth?  Its beauty gives me hope and that's something we all need.