From The Storyteller
|
June 3, 2019, Spring
“Wednesday, March 20th is the first day of spring and it ends on June 20th, which is the first day of summer.” This statement of fact means absolutely nothing to me. Chicago has a foot of snow on the ground, the temperature is 15 degrees, and my 7th grade science teacher is having a hard time convincing me spring has arrived simply because the sun crossed the equator going north. Years later in Deep South Texas, February 1st became the beginning of spring. Why? Because that’s when Elaine starts planting. Ground Hog Day (February 2nd) is the day when the folks in Pennsylvania learn when spring will start for them. Spring in Lubbock, Texas starts May 1st. Why? Again, because that’s when Elaine starts gardening. Despite the science behind the March 20th date, I’ve discovered the beginning of spring is really more a state of mind. Example: The winter loving ski folks, and the shop keepers in ski towns, consider a late spring a big gift, while the people who love gardening, and those business that sell gardening supplies, hope for the gift of an early spring. A third group includes folks like me, who for no discernible reason, simply find that’s springs arrival, whenever that might be, makes us smile. Which leads me to share two of my spring “people watcher” observations. One: Spring’s cool nights and warm days must trigger a “bright colors” state of mind in people, because clothing colors go from subdued to bright almost overnight. Two: There’s a dramatic increase in the number of young people paying close attention to each other, without multiple cell phone interruptions. The idea of young love blossoming when spring is in the air might be considered a fairy tale by some, but not by me. Moral: Bottle spring and you’re rich. |