Tug of War

It’s hot, it’s cold. Bright sun, grey rain, and here we go again. The battle of the seasons is in full bloom. Well bloom is stretch. There’s no blooming of anything yet, except frustration.

I always forget that in my neck of the woods, our last frost is in mid April. Hard to believe, but it’s true.

At first warming, the itch begins. I know spring is coming and I year for sun and verdancy. It’s been brown and grey far too long. The downward cycle that started in fall and culminated in dormancy of life, has made me weary for lush greens, brilliant canvases of nature’s flowers, and air scented in ever changing florals, spices and musk.

I miss the humming birds, the butterflies and unusual moths that visit in spring and summer. I miss nature, all busy and active, happy to be back in action. The squirrels playing and chasing each other in the canopy, always makes me smile. All creatures seem to have the ability to have fun. Playfulness in animals just reminds me that while we all grind away working to eat and live, there is always time for pleasure.

My poor Lola has been cooped up inside most of the day for months, and she too wants to frolic and be outside. Her favorite thing in the world is trying to rid that world of bunnies. She’s super fast, but won’t ever catch one. She doesn’t seem to care. I think she just likes chasing. That is her playtime.

The ground hog botched it, but there is always that, but. Old man winter, is oddly strong and viral. He should be decrepit and feeble, but no. He is holding on with mighty strength. He openly challenges spring. The tug of war is on, fierce and dramatic.

Spring chicken versus old man, and they are both seemingly well matched. Odd. But it holds true.

Sunshine, is in her usual cheerful mood and waiting on the sidelines to have her moment (I won’t say it). Sunshine is anxious to roast mankind, but first we need spring to remind us of how beautiful life can be. And she tarries.

She has her foot firmly grounded in the month already, but that pesky winter grump keeps yanking her chain. He lets go, only to pull her and us back into cold temperatures. Our bodies are already set and waiting to shed clothing and store our winter weighed blankets, in exchange for shorts, tanks, and a lighter sheet on the bed, but we are relegated to attempting our hand at predictions in weather forecasting.

“So, you think I’m gone for good?”says winter. “You think you can finalize putting up the homely flannels and pulling out the short nighties?”

“Spring you think you have full control already, and that I have vacated the seasonal throne?” “You believe I’ve left for my vacation to the southern hemisphere, for good?” Winter asks. “Hold my beer.”

He seems to be a prankster. He pretends to have gone, only to sneak up on us again.

I quite frankly, and tired and bored with winter. I need reviving. I need spring.

My air conditioner and heater are playing dueling banjos in the background, and I need to change the tune to something less creepy. I need lighter, more energetic and uplifting, music in my day.

I don’t dislike winter. In fact I have always loved it, but after months of cold, I am ready to be more active and outdoors. I don’t spend much time inside when it warms up. With exception of the triple digit temperatures, I spend a large potion of the day on my back patio just listening to and observing nature.

Lola, queen of chihuahuas, likes to roast her little butt in the fully glaring sun. She will only leave it if I go inside. I imagine she is tired of finding the sun streaming in the house, through a window, so she can simulate, the sensation of her afternoon bake.

Ultimately, we know the winner of the tug of war. Spring always wins, even if it takes a while. Winter gets tired and truly wants his tropical vacation in the south.

By now it’s so close we can all taste it. The comforting smell of fireplaces lit in evenings, has made us nose blind, and we are all ready for the wafting smells of neighborhood grills, cooking up delicacies.

I can’t wait to have friends and family over for barbecue, fresh sticky watermelon, and joviality. I love the sounds of other homes when they have guests doing the same, the sound of children jumping in and out of pools.

I know, I know, we have two more months for that kind of warmth, but spring being here already promises those kinds of diversions.

I am especially eager to start the vacation seasons. It’s been a couple months since I saw our son, and I am suffering DTs. I need my infusion of son time. (not sun)

My hope is that we are within eyesight of the finish line. As soon as the hyacinth and the narcissus begin peaking from the winter grave, then we can be more confident. Tulips will tear out of their imprisonment as well, and then we will be in the throws of the most beautiful time of the year.

As soon as that happens, the rest of the floral accompaniment will chime in with their tunes. Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Honey will be visiting daily and humming their music throughout the garden too. The garden diva will return in her flaming red and black polka dotted signature dress, and feed on the plethora of aphids that the spring buffet will offer her.

Life in spring is so pretty. Everything seems happier, brighter, better. There isn’t much that dampens the spirit. Not even the rains bring you down. The ground thirsts just like us, and it too, will be happy to share its hidden treasures as it softens from its frozen hardness of winter, to the soft rich loam, that offers us all, the joys of spring.

Take time to watch it, take time to savor and enjoy it. In what always seems like a flash, Spring goes on her way, and Summer comes in to play.

Don’t miss it.

#life #spring #fun #humans #nature #flowers #new #happiness #joy