Ten Signs of Spring

1. The geese are migrating back North again. The thrill of their graceful formations and throaty communications has not yet worn off. I suspect it never will. 
2. Buds. Everywhere.  The peach trees are laden with promise. 
3. Flowers and new vivid colour. Daffodils, snowdrops, violets, daisies, dandelions, speedwell... all reaching their grateful heads up to the sun in the garden today.
4. Lunch outside for the first time this year. 
5. An unexpected motivation to scrub things, sweep the front step, bring lightness and freshness to long fusty rooms. 
6. Dazzle. The all pervading sun glare that makes you wonder how you hadn't seen the cobwebs above the front door before. 
7. Forgetting layers of garments and not regretting them. 
8. Hope. It comes with the thaw. Problems seem more surmountable as the season turns, or at least it seems worth the effort of trying. 
9. The dawn chorus. I swear I did not hear those birds all winter, but for the squawking crow. They are full voiced with joy now. 
10. Daylight. The days are lengthening, the Earth is rolling on and we are being carried into an easier, balmier time.