Spring has sprung

Slowly but surely the tell tale signs of spring are more apparant around the place. Crocusses ( or croci) are popping their colourful heads through the soil. Tree branches are starting to thicken and buds swelling ready to pop open en reveal new life. Even though the sun is at a distance, it's rays are gently warming the earth I walk on. The mulched leaves from autumn are decaying rapidly and fresh grasses are pushing their way to the surface.

Walking in town and looking at the window displays, one can also identify the oncoming season. Freshly couloured displays, new season fashions and smart footware tempt the shopper inside, wanting to add new season clothing to one's wardrobe- ready for outings and parties in the offing.

I love spring. Everything fresh and new. The smell of wet soil and fresh leaves. The crispness of the young green leaves on the trees, daisies littering lawns and birds cheerfully chirping whilst they flit from branch to branch looking for the ideal spot for their nest to start a new family.

The clouds, varied in size and colour. Some days dark grey and threatening to be followed by wisps of cottonwool, thin and swirly, stretching across and pale blue sky. Ducks, both male and female chasing each other, trying to impress before finding a mate to bring new life into the world.

Council workers, in charge of the green areas, busily getting the last of the tree trimming done, working hard to gather the fallen branches and finally getting the lawnmowers out again after the stunted growth of grassy fields and parks.

SPRING has SPRUNG, and even though the weather is unpredictable and whimsical, the promise of warmer weather is in the air. It is time to clean the winter smudges of green off my balcony, to let my windows sparkle again and organise my planters for new seedlings.

With gratitude to a winter well done, I welcome the newness of spring and the promise of renewal that this season brings with it.