The vernal equinox! Just two days from now. Can you feel it in the air? Today I opened a window and didn’t shudder. What a concept – an open window! I’d forgotten what that felt like. It seems like it’s been winter for at least one lifetime. Would I ever again be able to shift the long underwear to the back of the drawer and replace it with shorts? Would the day ever come when a pedicure would be worth the money? Would the ice cream stands ever open again?
Then slowly, little by little, winter loses its grip. We don’t let ourselves get too hopeful, for April can bring another snowstorm; not usually a serious one, but you never know in New Hampshire. We tilt toward the sun in the lengthening evenings and feel the ease of summer coming on. Time seems to stretch out with the twilight. Tiny buds swell on the lilac bush, soon to pop open. A red headed house finch appears at the bird feeder, back from his winter digs. The giant oak branches begin to glow red at their tips, their leaves in gestation. I’m watching for those baby pink flowers that will sprout, stunning against an impenetrably blue sky. Enough to make your heart ache.
On this first really warm day, people are stirring around. There is a man uncovering his grill, cleaning it up for the first barbecue of the season. Someone is already raking up the dead leaves and sticks, winter’s last reminder. Someone else is fertilizing the lawn, and one foolhardy woman is setting out plants. Couples are strolling down the street, holding hands. Kids zoom past on their bikes and scooters. Lawn furniture appears. In New Hampshire, we don’t waste a minute of the season. We’ve learned better. We jump right in.
I feel a split second of nostalgia for Christmas lights, the artistry of bare branches, snow drifting down. They I come to my senses. Whatever am I thinking? Let’s get on with it – it’s spring!
