Tuesday, February 20, 2007

signs of spring


Our snow is melting. We have puddles on the driveway, streams down the sidewalks, rivers in the gutters. It's encouraging. Yesterday, when there was more snow than there is today, I took the boys out in their snow gear. They spent most of the time jumping in muddy puddles. It was great to see. I'll need to get them some rain gear before too long. Maybe some of those "wellies" that I hear about. I've never tried them myself, but they look perfect for kids.

The days are getting longer. In the middle of a Chicago winter, you have to turn the lights on in your house around 4 p.m. Now I can wait until after 5. We eat dinner with the blinds open because the kids like looking outside, even when it's dark they like looking out. Now they can really see things clearly. People walking home from the train. Late afternoon joggers. Cyclists. Meal time is getting more interesting again, even if what's on the menu doesn't always wow them.

Spring is always tentative at the beginning. These encouraging signs of it's approach may disappear before too long. That's OK. I think of it as officially starting on March 1st, so there's just a few more days ahead where I need to keep my chin up. You probably can tell from what I've written before that I am not a winter person. But I try to be brave. And I get a lot of help. Yesterday, for whatever reason, I felt discouraged and blue. But then my husband brought me these flowers on his way home from work. It turned my day around.

10 comments:

savvycityfarmer said...

Even the birds have a different pitch this morning as I took the garbage out....the blog really gets fun when eveyone posts garden pics!!!!!!

Sisters with Style said...

Beautiful flowers. Don't you just love "just because" flowers. I feel those are the best kind.

Becka said...

Our birds are singing like crazy! Spring is here! If I believe it hard enough- will that makke it true? Your flowers are beautiful, what a dear husband you have.

Anonymous said...

Yay hubby!!!

Retroboutiques said...

Its near...the birds are tweeting away outside my window!

Bossy Bar-Wife said...

I love flowers, especially when I'm not expecting them! Lucky you!

the tattered nest said...

I can feel it in the air...my niece bought the cutest wellies at Old Navy for her daughter last week. I am sure they had boys too!

Lallee said...

What a lovely bouquet and sweet husband. I'm ready for spring and I live in Florida! I'm trying to send the robins home...then I'll know it's official here.

Shelby said...

gorgeous springy photo! I'm so ready for warmth and flowers and all things new!

smilnsigh said...

Oh my, I thought Spring was about to spring here too. Then we got more snow. -sigh-

But it can't last toooo long. :-)

'MN'
Mari-Nanci