Spring

Spring is officially here according to the calendar. Friday, March 20 was the Spring Equinox and the clocks sprung forward a week prior in anticipation. I never minded when the clocks fell back and I gained another hour of sleep, however springing forwards has always been something I loathed. It’s probably because I didn’t want to give up an hour of sleep! I do like having the sun set later, but summer typically has sunset close to eight o’clock at night which isn’t my favorite.

Spring, the symbol of life and renewal is a beautiful time of year. The leaves on the trees turn green and the flower buds start to be seen that then bloom into a burst of color come April and May. Flowers are always so pretty at this time of year.

In Florida, spring means that the Snowbirds flock back home after Easter and Passover, both holidays are in early April this year. This means that the roads become less congested and the restaurants are more assessable. It does mean Spring Break traffic on the highways, but I’d rather take a country road over a highway any day. Also, knowing which beaches to go to for some ocean respite and how to avoid the Spring Break crowds is important! For my teacher peeps, it means the long-awaited Spring Break is almost here. Unlike the northern states, southern states do not have a February Break. Three straight months of students, administrations, and School Boards can take its toll and a break is definitely needed for all.

The only negative is that most teachers in the U.S. know that once Spring Break is over it means that testing season has arrived. In Florida, this means the FSA for math, reading, history, civics, and science. It also means testing during the same time period for AP, IB, and AICE advanced coursework. Sadly, class time is spent on test prep and not learning new material from the curriculum or enhancing the curriculum. If you added up all the hours of test preparation in class and the actual testing, you would probably be shocked. Many parents wonder why the full curriculum isn’t completed or why it’s crammed in before the middle of April, testing is the answer.

It seems like spring is such a short season compared to the others. It might be because of the anticipation of major life events such as graduations and weddings, or the anticipation of summer. Once the memories of snow, ice, and cold temperatures are forgotten, the lazy days of fun and the sun replace them. Think back to when you were a child, summer is looming and that means freedom from school and days of fun.

This year it seems as if winter wants to hang around for a little bit longer. My family in N.H. are still talking about snow possibilities in April. I do have memories of being all dressed up for Easter and it snowed. Meanwhile down here in Florida, the temperatures have been in the low 80s and starting to creep upwards, the weather forecasters are saying we’ll be getting a quick cold front with lows in the 40’s. Nice! This year, the weather definitely has had a mind of its own! I am enjoying the warm sun without the summer humidity though!

As I plant flowers and enjoy keeping the house doors open for just a little bit longer, it’s also a great time to revisit stories I haven’t finished or create new ideas for stories to outline and research. Saint Patrick’s Day is next week, so it’s hard not to think of fairies, Fairie Sidhe(mounds), and their lore. If it would rain, which is desperately needed where I live, a rainbow or two might be seen. Rainbow stories have always had a special place in my heart. I love to see the baby Sandhill Cranes scooting in and out of their parent’s long legs as they walk. It’s nesting season so there are quite a few babies around and their parents frequently call to them. The babies are these little fluff ball whose calls are really cute; however, their parent’s call can be quite jarring at times. I guess it’s not unlike my childhood where our parents would stand on the porch calling for us to come in as it got dark or to come home for dinner.

Thus, today I leave you with the thoughts of a warm spring day and a poem about spring!

Spring Has Sprung

(Anonymous, Twinkl USA 2022)

Daffodils trumpet to let us know, We can wave goodbye to dark and snow. Watching the woolly lambs play, We love March, April, and May!

Winter days are done, Brighter hours have come. Time to race and run, Now that spring has sprung!

Bluebells carpet woodland floors, We spend more time out-of-doors. Fluffy chicks and soft rain showers, Sunshine, leafy trees, and flowers.

Winter days are done, Brighter hours have come. Time to race and run, Now that spring has sprung!

Cheers to the storyteller in all of us!