Spring

Most of you pholks probably didn't hear the sound of Spring being sprung, but it sure did.

That event, which happened this past weekend in glorious fashion, is one of those things long described in countless ways for centuries. Great writers, especially poets, have found ways to describe Spring and often are quoted, sometimes correctly and sometimes not so precisely.

Personally, I love the event but can't honestly admit to having actually heard a sudden burst of noise signaling Spring being sprung.

But birds chirping, bees buzzing, winds whipping through budding trees and the gentle whispers of creeks or even garden waterfalls flowing once again are among Mother Nature's ways of letting pholks know the most perfect of the four seasons has arrived.

As I noted a couple weeks ago, Daylight Savings Time is really neat. But moving up the start of DST closer to the start of Spring was a touch of genius. I'm sure no elected official was smart enough to come up with that conclusion.

But this great event got me to thinking (something I try to do as often as I can) about the subtle changes the arrival of Spring has on most all us average pholks.

It takes only one day of beautiful, mild and stable weather to change attitudes. Sure, most everyone says what a nice day it is during their first greetings of the day, be it with family, friends, coffee shop buddies, co-workers, lovers, business partners and even strangers.

Spring cleaning is a good example of what I'm taking about. Chores you normally would put off during any of the other three seasons suddenly grab hold of you and energy you didn't even think you had takes over. Closets, which have been neglected, are cleaned out, rearranged and maybe even mopped. Rugs are hung outside and beaten with no mercy. Windows, which looked okay those three other seasons, suddenly cry out to be cleaned as spotless as possible. No doubt they needed it at least several times during the past months but who cared. Lawn mowers are gassed up, repaired or purchased in preparation for at least weekly exercise.

Then there are the yard and garage sales. Spring yard sales are like the Friday after Christmas. Some pholks get rid of things that don't need or want while making a little extra cash so they can restock their cleaned out closets and garages. It's true, but most of us won't admit that. But it is fun, isn't it?

And we certainly can't ignore yard work. Isn't it strange how hard it was to bend over to pick something up in the house over the winner or fall but how satisfying it is to work planting new bulbs, seeds, or transplanted flowers in the garden in March, April and May?

The pains often are still there but they are just so much more tolerable. Springtime does that to a person.

Perhaps the most rewarding factor, as I look at it, is how people's attitudes suddenly change. Worries are year-around but people simply seem to be friendlier and less depressed during Spring.

As most of you know, I traditionally reflect on the changes of the seasons. All of them have great virtues. Of course at my age I appreciate even more the arrival of each new one, giving thanks that I made it that far. But I also like to observe the behavior of those who may not be aware just the arrival of Spring makes them act and respond to the great event.

Maybe some of you should try it. It's good for the soul and very rewarding.