A to Z Challenge: B

B = Birds & Buds

I'm on a spring kick. I'm so, so happy that it's finally here. I'm so, so glad to hear birds in the morning – and throughout the day. I'm so, so glad to see that our trees are FINALLY budding. LEAVES will be here soon! PRAISE GOD! I am so done with winter. So done with the barren trees, dried grass, and quiet landscape.

While the calendar generally tells us when spring "officially" begins, I don't consider it spring until I see signs of life. The squirrels are coming out, becoming more active, daring me to hit them with my car ... birds are singing their praises in the morning ... our perennials are starting to push their way through the soil, and we know that soon there will be flowers ...

Oh, how I love spring! While I'm a summer girl, I think spring might actually be my favorite season. I love the life, color, and sounds of nature that re-emerge every year. I love watching – and hearing – the world around me come to life. I'd like to say it's little by little, but it seems like it doesn't work that way. It's more like: BAM! Spring has arrived!

I don't actually think it happens that way. I've been mildly aware of an occasional bird song and some squirrel activity over the past couple of weeks. I've been looking at the trees, hoping for signs of life, and noticing that the tulips, irises, and daffodils are coming in for a couple of weeks, too. Today was the first day I saw very distinct tree buds. FINALLY!