Spring at Last!!!

It is finally spring time! Flowers have been blooming for ages. Daffodils started blooming way back in February. All the other spring time flowers have been in various stages of blooming for a while now.

I'm speaking of the return of the sun and warm weather. I was telling Miss Grassy Creek this morning that back when I was at university, this was my favorite weekend of the school year --- the first truly sunny weekend of the spring. All the families who had babies over the winter would venture out and stroll up and down the main street with babies in prams. Their faces glowing with the knowledge that they survived the winter and the dark early days of new parenthood.

Also, this evening, er, rather this morning we will observe the semi-annual ritual of changing of clocks. I'm not quite certain why humans do this - beyond the obvious reason of denial and prolonging daylight during the important spring, summer, and fall seasons. Maybe gardening and little league sporting organizations are behind this ritual.

I especially enjoy all the little markers of spring. For purely selfish reasons. The Phenom's work is seasonal. The spring signals the end of the Phenom's work season. As each marker is reached, the Phenom become happier, more playful, more fun, more like the human I fell in love with so many years ago.

Another marker of spring is the annual House of Mercy Walk for AIDS. The House of Mercy is a hospice for people who are gravely ill with the disease AIDS. The care is so tender and good that several of the residents have recovered to the point of being able to leave the hospice. For others, it is their last home. The Chick has been a volunteer with the House of Mercy for some time now. She has developed strong and caring relationships with the residents and often their family members. She has shared in the stillness of one who is near death. She has mourned their passings. She has delighted in the improvements of other residents. She has made countless ice cream and ciggie runs. She has been a wonderful supporter of the cause and an articulate and thoughtful spokes person. Each year, she organizes a team to participate in the Walk and raises money for the work of the House of Mercy. If you would like to make a donation, now is a great time. Really.

http://www.thehouseofmercy.org/