Signs of spring are different for everyone

We made it through another strange winter. Thankfully, it was warmer than usual, although the grey skies did nothing to alleviate the winter doldrums. I hope that spring really is here, like the calendar promises, and it will soon be warm enough to piddle around outdoors without having to go inside to get warm.

 Our evil squirrels act like they have been guzzling energy drinks as they run thither and yon over every inch of the yard and up and down every tree and shrub they can find. They only pause to unearth a tasty flower bulb or dig a random hole in the lawn. I wish I had half their energy.

 Speaking of energy, I called to wish grandson, Jacob, a happy eighth birthday on Saturday. First I had to track him down. His mom said he was with Pappy, his other grandfather, and they were at Aunt Kassie’s. I called Pappy. No answer. I waited awhile and tried again. This time he answered and I was told that he was on his way home and Jacob was still at Kassie’s. He gave me her number and I called her.

 It went to voicemail. I waited a few minutes and tried again. This time someone answered. I asked who it was and was told it was Kassie’s husband. I explained who I was and said I wanted to wish Jacob a happy birthday. He asked if I was from Indiana. I said I was. At that point he told me I had the wrong number and hung up. Maybe I should have said I was from Ohio.

 I was ready to give up and wait until the next day. Kassie called me back and apologized for her husband. She gave the phone to Jacob and my husband and I wished him a happy birthday. We could barely hear him as there was chaos in the background. It seems that there was a combined birthday party for Jacob and Kirsten, Kassie’s daughter, whose birthday is a day after Jacob’s. It sounded like every kid within a 50 mile radius was there and screaming as loud as they could. I told Kassie she was a saint.

 I remember when my daughter was young and every kid on the block would invade our house on a regular basis. I don’t remember it being as loud as it was while we were on the phone with Jacob. I guess everything is louder in Texas.

 Screaming children and energetic squirrels are only a few signs that spring really is here. Flowers are popping up and opening on sunny days. I am always amazed at how bedraggled the crocus look on cold days only to transform into perfection when the weather warms.

Spring also brings the loud cars out of hibernation. They rattle the windows as they pass by and make me consider investing in hearing aids as the drivers will surely go deaf soon. I keep intending to amend the landscaping to block some of the noise but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. I probably never will.

Spring is many things to many people. Birthdays and flowers; loud cars and sunshine; energy replacing winter lethargy; those are a few indications that the calendar is correct. Spring is here and winter is over. It might not be quite time to put away heavy coats but the promise of warmer weather is in the air. Happy spring to one and all.