Someone once said ... “Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and little flowers.” These days I find the motivation to help that along by getting my gardens ready for the warm days ahead. I have even been unable to resist the temptation to rush the season a bit and add some colour by planting annuals that I hope will survive even if we do still need to be wary of frost. It has been a very warm spring so far and the signs are all there that it may continue, so my gardens are already providing the cheer so needed this year.

Les was really looking forward to spring so mixed with the pleasure is a poignancy that he isn't here to enjoy it with me. I take comfort in believing he knows that the beauty of nature which he appreciated so much is providing me with a measure of peace. I may not be able to see him smile as he did each year enjoying the panorama as nature presented early signs of the promise of her gifts once more but times remembered are grief forgotten.  Spring is life. Spring is hope. Spring is nostalgia after tears and heartache. And goodness knows the memories we shared, the time we had together, and most of all the love, made us fortunate indeed. Les would not want me to forego the pleasure of spring. He knew how much I loved this season. He did as well. 

How he would have loved seeing the Ornamental Pear tree in bloom which is visible from our kitchen sliding doors opening to the deck. The tree was only transplanted last July, well past blooming season. It is close to 20 feet tall and has been a mass of blossoms these past several weeks. Each time I glanced out those doors I thought how much pleasure that gorgeous gift of nature would have given him. Plus, there's a bonus we hadn't contemplated when planting that tree. The robins have spotted it already and will be visiting in anticipation of the bounty of tiny pearl sized pears that the tree will provide for them in the months to come. And remember, it is true you know... 

Spring always makes one think of rainbows and new beginnings and lightens the heart as no other season really can. It does take both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow you know. As the earth warms and tiny shoots of promised beauty which have been sleeping through the cold days of winter begin to reappear it once again reminds me that life is a never ending cycle. Constant and forever. Food for the soul indeed. My hope is that as spring comes into full bloom it will help to ease the feeling of loss which is with me as I wake each day and which is my last thought each night. Even though I am finding pleasure in spring, I admit I am missing the joy of sharing it with Les. Sharing the joy always made it infinitely more pleasurable. Tuffy is enjoying the season as well but somehow his appreciation tends to be tempered with curiosity which is not always best for the tender new plants. He seems to have forgotten over the winter that the garden is off limits to an inquisitive wee ShihTzu who loves to dig holes in the soft earth of this time of year. Either that or he is finding an outlet for his own angst that Daddy isn't here to play with him this spring.  One thing his mischievous ways accomplish ...  he does make me smile and at times even laugh when I see him all muddy and looking so pleased with himself.

 I really should be more understanding. I know as well as anyone the medicinal benefits of digging in rich moist soil . Nothing gives me a better release for worry or distress than getting into my garden and  getting dirty as I work. It has always been that way for me. My therapy if you will. It never fails me and hasn't this year either. A measure of peace always seems to accompany the aches and pains of physical labour once my gardens show signs that I have been there. One more thing I inherited from my Grandfather.