Slowly we’re shaking off the effects of our winter hibernation, walking outside to sniff the air to see if we can detect any signs of spring.
Some days it feels like yes. Some days, no.
That’s part of the joy of living in our part of the Ohio River Valley. We might see a couple of 60 degree days in February, but they’re usually followed up quickly with snow or ice or a frozen blast of arctic air.
But we can feel it coming.
Our hemisphere’s been turning its face back toward the sun since late December. and somewhere, deep in our bones or maybe in our lizard brains we feel the spring. It whispers its song to our mitochondria causing them to sway and swell, filling us with the desire to get outside and get some dirt under our fingernails. To feel the sun on our faces. To taste the breeze.
And so we rub the winter sleep from our eyes, stretch our slothful backs, and watch the weather reports. We look for signs of crocus and daffodil. We watch for the the tips of tree branches to green. We scoop up a handfuls of earth and feel its temperature, wondering if its almost time to push a few peas into the ground. 
The tug of spring acts on us like the pull of the moon on the oceans, leading us back outside, back into the garden and back into the sun.
Are you ready for spring? Or if you’re in the southern hemisphere, have you started putting your gardens to bed?
And aren’t the seasons wonderful?
NestOfSquirrels 
I feel it, even in South Florida, hurry to finish before it gets so hot. Tomatoes planted on Valentine’s Day?!; seems weird?
Tomatoes planted on Valentine’s day? Magnificent! Will that mean tomatoes for Memorial day weekend? 🙂
They are unknown heirlooms (seedlings grown by a friend who forgot what kind.) Looking to be big, they have set fruit but I have no idea what to expect time wise. Have fennel in the garden almost ready to eat.
Mystery tomatoes! 🙂 I always have a few volunteer tomatoes pop up that I let grow just to see what they’ll be. Gardening surprises!
And there are more mysteries in the compost heap. I think fungus is going to do them before I find out what they are.
Argh…once that stuff takes hold in the ‘mater patch it’s trouble. Good luck!
I agree!
Wonderful piece of writing, Benjamin. I’ve definitely begun to feel the tug of spring. I just wish that the warmth didn’t also bring out the ticks. I love spring, but the threat of Lyme has taken the thrill out of it for me. I really must work at recovering my joy!
Thanks so much! Wishing you a lovely warm and tick-free spring! 🙂
I hope so! 🙂
Indeed, spring is in the air here. I can smell it. The light is different, the birds are singing and flowers are blooming. It is a magical time of the year.
I’m trying to wind up some of my winter projects so I’ll be ready to head outside for gardening season. I can already see there are enough fallen branches to keep me busy for a couple of days just picking them up. Trees – they are a blessing but they do cause a little clean up. But, I’ve got several more weeks to wait. 🙂
We’re in the process of cleaning up from our trees, as well. Should make for quite the spring bonfire 🙂
Beautiful pictures. My lizard brain is definitely responding to the longer days.
Spring fever is real! 🙂
You’re on to something Benjamin! Especially the change in light is encouraging.
Braving the cold temps called for this weekend to get a few peas in the ground (I hope.) Happy spring! 🙂
Oh, yes! 60 degrees today and the wind feels like it wants to blow the windows in … it huffs and it puffs. It was a real emotional lift although it is sure to get cold again soon. My chickens all got an afternoon all free-range.
Happy, happy chickens! With luck, we’ll soon all be scratching in the dirt! 🙂
Oh yes seasons are wonderful! I’m actually looking forward to autumn. I can just imagine you picking up the soil. Lovely … 😀
Loved this post and your fabulous words. Nearly autumn time for us .. Love to think of you grabbing a handful of earth to see if it is warm enough yet .. 😀
Thanks, Julie! And it’s almost warm enough! 🙂
Thanks so much! We had a lovely spring week with lots of sun, but it looks like a cold and rain (and maybe snow?!?) for this weekend…Spring comes in fits and starts for us 🙂
I enjoyed reading this! We just had the biggest snowstorm in our history (52 cm of snow), followed by a huge barrage of freezing rain…but I am hoping that spring is just around the corner! 🙂
Wow! Hope you survived all that snow ok! Sending sunny thoughts and warm wishes your way 🙂