A clean slate

Christmas is behind us and as are most folks about now, I'm ready for spring. Not that Alaska, or even Kentucky, where I am at the moment, don't abound with beauty during the winter time. They do--at least sporadically. But a little bit of snow and freezing temps go a long way and I reached my breaking point about three weeks ago.

I think if most of us had our way, the first day of spring would occur on December 26th. Fortunately, we don't have that perogative, for if we did, springtime would lose that special anticipation it holds for us year after year. Yes, the stretch between the day after Christmas and that perfect first day of spring (not the one on the calendar, but that true first day--the one we "know" is the harbinger of green grass and new flowers) seems an eternity. But isn't that what makes it so magical? Isn't that what makes that first sniff of newly-revealed dirt, the pristine air, or the hint of growth in the flowerbeds so enticing? Aren't the drab conditions of an overlong winter darkest just before the sparkling days of spring?

Fragrant grass, spring-green leaves, colorful flowers, unblemished beginnings. Spring heralds all things fresh and innovative, innocent and unblemished. It gives us all a chance at a new start. In the meantime, while the winds blow cold and the skies remain dreary, let's remember all that lies in store for those willing to wait--second chances, a clean slate, a new day.

Until the next time...

Doin' the Happy-Hop

This was me yesterday (aside from the long ears, ability to jump off the ground, fuzzy tail, long ears--you know, that "being a bunny thing" Birch has going on here) when I found out my son and daughter-in-law are expecting a baby boy. This will be their second child and he'll be joining big brother Tyler (3) when he's born in early June.

The newest addition to our family will make a total of five grandsons (currently aged 9, 7, 3, 3, and our new pre-born) and six when you add in my step-grandson (14) here in Kentucky. I honestly don't know if I could find my way around the little girls' department anymore. I'm so accustomed to trucks and Legos, dinosaurs and Hot Wheels, Spiderman, SpongeBob, and anything "Cars" related that I'd be lost in the world of little girls.

Of course I'd love to have a granddaughter someday and if it's God's will, I will. But in the meantime, I'm content to do happy-hops around the house and revel in the rough-and-tumble world of little boys and bunny rabbits.

Until the next time...