Before the 14th century, the season we know as “spring” was called Lent. The word “Lent” refers to the solemn Catholic observance during the forty days leading up to Christ’s death. This time of penance and fasting was meant as a preparation for Christ’s suffering and death leading to the renewal of life brought by His resurrection. The term “Lent” for the spring season is rather fitting then when you consider nature’s transformation from death and dormancy to the burgeoning life enjoyed by late spring and early summer.
Spring is my favorite season despite the allergies—which are awful! (PSA – try a teaspoon of local honey to help create a natural defense against allergy symptoms.) The vibrant colors and fledgling life visible everywhere fills me with renewed hope after the dark, cold days of winter. I love when sunlight remains after we have eaten dinner allowing for a family walk or throwing a ball outside before bedtime routines commence. I am a fan of the Sunshine Protection Act. The fact that we will enjoy sun later in the day forevermore makes me supremely happy.
We have been working to prepare for the spring growing season at our house. My rose bushes are prepped and ready for their season of glory. The hydrangea bushes are budding new life. My husband and father-in-law just planted fourteen oak and maple trees along the road leading to our house. I plan to plant three azalea bushes to replace some that didn’t make it—no thanks to the exterior painters who trampled them last year. My six-year-old daughter started giant sunflowers in a pot inside before successfully replanting them outside.
We also try to enjoy the outdoors more. Fishing on the pond has been a recent activity we have all enjoyed. One of my all time favorite things about spring are the flowers my children bring me.
As an update to my last blog, the chicks are doing well. Sadly, we did lose some even though we fought hard to nurse them. We replaced them with new chicks. Take a look at how tiny the new ones are compared to the originals! For those interested, the originals are Leghorns. Two of the newbies are bantams and the two others are ISA browns. The bantams were “straight run” which means unsexed. We’ll see if we accidently chose roosters…
Tell me what your Spring traditions are in the comments below. If you have any allergy relief tactics, leave a comment below.
E.A. Henson Books 