I have recently found many rumors circulating concerning the possibility that spring is sneaking in on the down low. There has been no head-on rush but signs and symptoms that spring is coming. The daffodils are up and teasing us with buds forming. The landscapers have edged my garden and we have uncovered the furniture on the porch. There has still been a chill in the air. No warm breezes but the suggestion of more to come. The trees are hinting to us. They are beginning to show the variety of soft light greens which spell ‘spring’. Bulb catalogs have arrived and have been perused. Robins have been spotted sneaking about looking for worms and the mourning doves no longer try to hide from the biting cold by huddling on my front porch.

So I write today to shake spring up and encourage a full frontal assault. Warm sun on the face, gentle warm breezes, the heavy fragrance of spring. Bring on the sound of basketballs being dribbled on the playground. Bicycles zoom by the windows and scooters soar down the street. Hail Spring! We are ready for you and all of the richness you will bring with you. It is sixty degrees now,  just get on with it and embrace all of us.

The fragrance is in the air.
Photohraphy copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2013 

Mated cardinals on a budding tree photographed and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2013

Blue Iris
Photo by Barbara Mattio Copyright Batbara Mattio 2013

The beginning of flowers to delight the eyes. Photograph copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2013

Magnolias in North Carolina. Photo copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2013

Wrightsville Beach, NC. Photograph copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains, NC. Photograph copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2013

Firepokers. Photograph copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2013

The colors are coming. Photography copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2012

Black Mountain NC. Photograph copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2010

Weeping Cherry Tree. Photograph copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2006

The tulips have arrived. Photograph copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2012