02/26/2015
So, how’s the year treating you? I know in my neck of the woods we’re looking
forward to spring. The winter hasn’t
been all that harsh; certainly not as harsh as it has been in the northeast
portion of the country, but it starts to wear on a person after a while. Of course, we’d take those truckloads of
moisture they’ve been hauling off up in the northeast any day.
The world has been frozen
in grays and browns for months, and we are looking forward to the signs of
green popping up through the ground.
Unfortunately, our area is prone to the tease of spring. We get these little indications that the
season is changing, the trees start budding out, and then spring runs a little
further down the road leaving the buds covered in frost.
For me, the coming of spring means baseball season is right
around the corner. Hopefully, my Rangers
will have a better season. Last year was
a true disappointment after the accomplishments of the two previous
seasons. It also means it is almost time
to get the fishing gear ready. That too
was a disappointment last year. We spent
way too few days around a lake.
Winter hasn’t been totally unproductive though. I published The Ladder Climber in October and
I’ve worked on several other novels over the months. I think another novel is on the horizon and life
has added a few more experiences to deepen my knowledge and creativity. My middle son got married and our family grew
a little larger. The Bulldog teams had
strong basketball seasons.
The seasons change, just as life changes. We struggle through the winters and relish days
in the sun. Toward the end of summer
when the heat becomes unbearable, we’ll long for the cooler days. I suppose if I had a choice, I’d spend most
of my days in either spring or fall.
Those are the seasons which are my favorites. I like the mild weather, the rebirth of
spring and the nostalgia of fall.
Until then, we face at least a few more weeks of
winter. It appears more snow is on the
way, and the cooler days will continue to try our patience. Even though spring is on the calendar, it
doesn’t always show up when it is scheduled.
All I can say is at least opening day usually makes it on time.
While we wait, let’s think about green blades of
grass beneath our feet, laughter and giggles echoing around the neighborhood,
the fragrance of flowers blooming, and the popping sound of the ball meeting
the pocket of leather glove. Spring is
just around the corner, folks.
