“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”
– Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

The last week of March on the Texas Gulf Coast. We lean more into summer as “winter in the shade” gives way to spring warmth.

Trees unfurl tender light green leaves that will darken in the heat of summer. 

Not willing to follow, the skeptical native pecans are waiting; insecure, they are the last to bud.

Road trips yield to impromptu photo sessions in fields of bluebonnets and sometimes on the side of the road.

Garden nurseries bloom with flowers and people.

Sandals. Shorts. Painted toenails.

A familiar young family takes their evening stroll down my street. Mom pushing a stroller. Dad corralling a little one on her bicycle, helmet secured, training wheels clattering against the pavement.  They stop to talk to my dogs through the fence-with-a-view.  

With opened windows, I hear the neighbor boys squealing as they fling themselves full-force onto a slip-and-slide.  Nonstop chatter, bravado,  and laughter.

My heart is full.

Welcome to Spring!