Spring is Early

Everyone is excited for the early spring this year.  So many new blossoms that make me both delighted and slightly nervous at the same time.

I shouldn't be surprised.  I remember exclaiming to my social networks upon seeing the first robin playing in the melting snow.  My picture has a January date.

What Does an Early Spring Mean to Me?


I am lucky enough to live in a state where we can pretty much enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.  The heat of the summer only lasts so long, and we often are cooled by afternoon thunderstorms that roll over the mountains.  The autumn brings the vibrant colors of the changing leaves all while staying warm enough to enjoy them in short sleeves.  When it snows, the sun is guaranteed to shine by the end of the week.

The high altitude climate does cause our true summers and winters to be quite short.  We get to enjoy lengthy spring and fall seasons. My gardens suffer for it because of the short growing season.  Starting seeds in the windows are a challenge because our dry climate leeches water out of our soil.

• An early spring allows me the opportunity to gamble on whether or not a frost will be devastating.
• An early spring calls the bears out of their hibernation, which means I need to be more cautious on my hikes.  
• I can look forward to the smell of rain, while the fat snowflakes melt on the grass.  
• I need not worry for accumulation of any snow, because yesterday the thermometer reached 80 degrees.
• I fall asleep to crickets in March, listen to the train whistle and wake up to the birds calling each other.
• I head up to the mountains to camp, hike and adventure.
• The delight of seeing early shoots peeking out from beneath their mulch blanket.