Signs of Spring

Spring is in the air. We all know what that means. Birds happily chirping after their long flight back north, and crocuses popping up through the last snows of winter. I like to think of spring a little differently. Here's my "Top Ten Signs of Spring":

1. Ants in your kitchen.

2. Policemen with radar guns.

3. Onion sets available in the produce department of the grocery store.

4. Fishermen parked along every stream.

5. Greenhouses bustling with shoppers.

6. Wedding gifts to buy, and graduation parties to attend.

7. Free kitten signs cropping up.

8. Deer fur becoming lighter in color.

9. Motorcycles humming down the road.

10. Yard sale signs tacked up on every corner.

We all know that the official first day of spring is in March. The exact date, which is either March 20^th or 21^st, is dependant on the vernal equinox, which is when the sun sits directly above the equator. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin language, meaning equal nights. Some people believe that on equinox day, you can balance an egg on its end.

Although spring officially begins on a certain astological day, many people have opinions about when spring really starts. With daylight savings time beginning three weeks early this year, many of us have been given a false sense of spring. That extra hour of daytime gives us a little more energy, not to mention time to shop or golf.

Another way to check on the beginning of spring is to watch for the prediction made by Punxsutawney Phil. The famous groundhog edges his way out of the hole on Gobbler's Knob on February 2^nd of each year. If he sees his shadow, we can expect six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, we are in for an early spring. The prediction made by this furry creature usually leans toward winter lasting an additional six weeks. Miraculously enough, that is very close to the vernal equinox.

Most of us also get something we call "spring fever". With the days getting longer, warmer, and sunnier, we start trying to eat a little better, hoping to fit into last year's shorts and swimsuits. The air feels fresher and smells cleaner. There's a little skip in our steps that's been missing for months. Spring rains bring earth worms to the surface, and thunderstorms awaken us during the night.

Whatever you think kicks off the spring season, most likely it's something that you've been missing during the long winter months. We all look forward to the signs of spring, and the summertime that follows.