April 12

Although I do not love pollen, I do love signs that point to Spring's arrival.

It was mainly the cherry blossoms on the Mall growing up, but it's also the extra-chirpy birds that sit outside my window during the (fortunately not usually too early) morning hours. 

And it's also the rose bushes in our yard. We have white ones out front that flank the garage and red ones out back, and every year, I'm struck by how beautiful and vibrant and full and fragrant they become when the temperature rises.

So for that gift --for the gift of natural loveliness that is so often inherent in the change of seasons-- I am grateful.