Anyone else working through Spring Fever or just me.

I’ve held off for a few weeks now to make this confession for fear of jinxing this beautiful weather, yet here we still are. I could have sworn that groundhog predicted different, but perhaps like so much else in this world, he’s just a little off. As I type this, I hope to God clouds don’t start piling up as soon as I hit ‘send’ for this to go off to the editor, but then would it be so bad for a spring shower?

Now that we’ve ‘sprung ahead,’ I just couldn’t be happier. It’s time to come from hibernation, break from our winter cocoon and enjoy all that’s been at rest for winter and is ready to bloom.

I love Spring.

Now before you send e-mails informing me the time change does not change the season; I know. But I’m a girl who’s living in the moment and in this moment as I look out my window, it looks like Spring. The increase in sneezes I’ve been hearing would indicate the same.

The blossoms came through the rain, gave their beautiful show for all the tourists and now our allergies pay the price. I love it.

The windows open for fresh air is a true treat. That coupled with longer days just makes me happy.

Being honest, this later chapter of my life has found me enjoying winter and downtime a bit more than I have in the past. Learning to rest and relax has not been easy for this once busy single mom juggling the schedule of two active kids. We did a lot of TV binge watching with a fire this winter and it wasn’t horrible.

Now as the birds sing, sun shines on the trees and nature shows its beauty, I find my mind busy. Our poor yard has gone neglected far too long. It seems just when I think our family can get to a project, something else takes precedence, sound familiar?

Now with a part-time work load, there’s lots of time for planning and execution – fingers crossed.

My mind is still adjusting to my body’s limitations. Apparently my energy is not what it once was. I only seem to recall this, as well as the reason ‘why’ when I’m deep into a project. Thank God for my kids, as it’s not uncommon for me to say, “would you mind – insert task here – I ran out of energy.” Retraining a busy bee is not easy, most especially when it’s yourself. Admittedly in this case I am a slow learner, but I’m getting there.

Aside from the backyard planning I’ve been busy dreaming up, there’s all the things I’d like to do in the coming weeks and months. I’m grateful for some great adventure friends and look forward to seeing some places in the coming months which aren’t too far from home.

One such place includes taking my kids to Lake Tahoe for a few days. I spent a lot of time there growing up and in my early twenties. I’m looking forward to sharing it with my now young adults.

While I had hoped to make some travels with a few friends over the next four months, that has been detoured as we focus on health. Fortunately, we live in such a beautiful state with such great weather that it will provide plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy the surroundings.

Heck, just a simple trip to the lake, Pinecrest or even Knights Ferry is enough to soothe the soul and recharge the spirit. There’s just so much beauty around us.

There’s a weird joy which has overcome my soul as I think to the weeks and months ahead, sort of reminds me of when I was a kid and I could feel summer inching so close. Funny how those memories randomly find us.

For now, as the triple digits stay at bay, I look forward to these crisp spring-like mornings, the sun setting later and more time to enjoy the fresh air. I hope the same for each of you.

As days bog you down, looming taxes fill your thoughts or something else, I hope you’re able to take a moment or two and just breathe in the beauty. It doesn’t cost a dime to sit on a park bench, walk on a path or park and watch a beautiful sunset.

We are abundantly blessed with the sounds, sights and beauty of Spring. Cheers.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.