For me the surest sign of spring is my compulsion to open the windows wide despite the fact that temperatures are still hovering in the mid-40s. I know I'm freezing out my family, but I love love love the fresh scent and feel of a spring breeze wafting through the house.
I was so inspired by last weekend's high temps that I switched out my winter accents in the living room and dining room (red berries, red and white candles, etc...) for more springy hues like chartreuse and teal. I didn't spend a cent, but I gave our house a breath of spring air by moving candles and other accents from one room or space to another. Instead of a berry-filled hurricane on our dining room table there's now an easter-egg filled tin. And the hurricane, filled with a green candle and faux hydrangea blossoms, now rests in the corner on a chair. These simple switches makes both rooms feel new again.
There are other sure signs of spring around our house. For example, all winter we use the trusty George Foreman. But, the first time we fire up the grill, I know it's spring. We've already grilled out three times this week alone.
As some of the people I talked to Thursday also pointed out, you can tell it's spring when people are traipsing about without jackets or in flip-flops or tanks when it's only 45 degrees outside. In the fall 45 degrees is freezing and you'll see us all bundled up in sweaters. But, come spring, temperatures like that are balmy and inspire us to break out the summer clothes.
Whatever they're wearing, spring weather also inspires us to just get out more. We went for a walk on Sunday, and despite the cutting wind and very soggy trail, we had a blast. Even if it's just a turn around the block, it's nice to see more people out and about, stretching their legs after a winter's hibernation.
The more I think about it, spring really is my favorite time of year. It's such a period of rejuvination, a time when you feel anything is possible. I love that warmer temperatures are welcomed, not whined about as we do when things get soggy in July and August. Even the potholes don't seem so bad in comparison to the ice and snow of last month.
So, at the risk of being too chipper. I say, get out and enjoy it. Go for a walk, grill a burger, fly a kite ...