The Hope of Spring

There's really nothing much better in Maine this time of year then the hope of spring. For the last five months we've hunkered down, layered up, tolerated the icy temperatures, navigated messy roads, withstood long dark nights, constant weather drama and added an extra layer around our mid section for good measure, in large measure unfortunately for some of us.

Spring. It came just this past week and followed right up with a snow storm. The trees are bare, the ground is semi soft and the sky is grey. Sounds like a sad tossed away Mamma's and Papa's song.. Well, it's here so far as the calendar says, but the hope is what keeps us checking for crocus pips, bulb activity around the edge of the house, anything that just boosts you into another day, another week and just keeping your fingers crossed that we can get a little bit closer and a little bit warmer with every passing day. That sounds like hope to me.

Soon the Mayflowers will be out. Forest flowers that grow on the bankings near our home in Harpswell. Every year close to or on my birthday, the third week in April they are ready and they are the absolute proof in this area that no more snow will come. Proof that the ground is about ready for spring planting and we have come through the storm for another year. Fingers crossed.

Easter is this weekend. Some years it's greening up and the Easter egg hunts are in full bloom outside with all the little ones in pretty dresses, Mary Jane shoes, bow ties and flailing baskets running amuck in the spring weather. We will see. It's still a good idea to keep your boots and coat in the car.

Happy Easter All~ Happy Spring!