Spring Fever

Spring Fever - Its a natural phenomena that occurs right around the end of March and coincides with the vernal equinox (or the calendar date of March 20 or 21).  Especially if you live in an area like I do when winter weather tends to dominate from early November through the end of March and often times well into April.  (Lets hope that's not the case for this year.)

Here are some of the symptoms of Spring Fever:

• Restlessness
• Playfulness
• Shedding winter colors of black, brown and gray for pastel colors
• Wearing shorts and flip-flops even when the weather is only 50 degrees, although sunny
• The intense need to go shopping to buy new spring clothes!

Spring fever is very contagious, but in a good way.  People seem to be happier and more alive.  

I am a spring person.  Out of all the four seasons, Spring is my favorite.  I think its because it marks the turning point from the dark cold days that begins in late October and last through early March, to longer sunnier days with 60-70 degree teaser days in April that eventually become more permanent by mid-May.  Tulips happen to be my favorite flowers and they arrive shortly after the snow has melted away, in fact, my yard is already seeing the "greenery" of the tulip and daffodil plants as they are emerging from the ground. The tannish color grass is starting to turn green and there are actually buds on the trees, although you have to look really hard to see them.

In Cleveland, Ohio the marking point of spring is the "arrival" of the Robin.  However, I recently found out that the Robin never truly leaves the area (migrating south) like other birds, but they manage to hide really well during the winter months and they appear out of no-where right around mid-March (aka March Madness) with their very swollen mid-sections.  And looking for a place to nest!  

I use to wake up at 6 am to the sound of the Fed Ex plane taking off over my house, now I hear the little tweets and chatters of birds as they wake-up with the sun rising.

My favorite day of spring though is the day that I drive through our metropark system and the trees are filled with green buds and they are minutes away from bursting into full blown leaves.  You can still see the outline of the tree trunk and limbs but they have the nicest shade of yellow/green buds and they are so robust.

Easter is also my favorite holiday.   I must admit, probably not for the right reasons, but mostly because it lands in spring and I love spring fashions and spring flowers.  I love dressing up in pretty new Easter dresses.  I also like the fact that Easter isn't as "commercial" as Christmas.  Since I am a Christian, Catholic to be more specific, I do respect the meaning behind Easter - that Jesus died and rose again for the betterment of mankind.  Which makes Easter a very humbling but glorious day, religiously speaking!

I got the fever, the sun is out and the birds are chirping - just wished Canada would keep the cold air to themselves (just kidding my Canadian friends!).