It was so much easier getting out of bed this morning. Why? The calendar had ticked over from winter to that most optimistic season ever - spring. Not that it was any warmer and huddling beside the fire as my hands defrosted made me question the validity of this spring awakening. Yet, we're finally on the right side of winter and afternoons basking in the garden seem a little closer.

Spring arrived today
Aglow in spring time fashion
Spring fever follows

Spring's Dresser changed her
Into winter's chilled soft wrap
Without care or flare

Spring flaunted her smile -
Everything she loved slowly
Awakened in praise

Dorothy (Alves) Holmes

While images of flowering annuals evade us at the moment there are signs that spring is awakening. Slivers of new growth are starting to protrude from their hosts and blooms are slightly unfurling teasing us with a glimpse of the season's offerings.

For me, spring is a time to relax. Winter has been hard work sourcing firewood to keep warm, coaching winter sports and helplessly watching the garden slip into some nasty habits. The 'relaxation' of gardening is like the proverbial cliche - 'change is as good as a holiday'. (Actually, that's probably not a good metaphor because we all know nothing's as good as a holiday - and change usually means more work - but you get my drift).

So, while most of my northern hemispherean peers are looking towards fall and then another bleak winter, it's days like these that make me thankful I live this side of the equator.

Photo source: annia316