Spring has come at last here on the homestead but its arrival has not been without a hitch or two. The clocks have gone forward so after tending to the chickens, I’m creeping back to bed for a slow wake up. We have been able to enjoy about three days in March when the temperature reached 21C/69.8F and then found ourselves suddenly plunged back into winter soon after. It’s the adaptability of plants and animals during this time that fascinates me so. The risks that are undertaken by delicate flowers to attract bees and insects in order to get ahead of the game are so admirable. They create such a feast for the senses that could all just be nipped by frost or covered in snow the very next day. It’s as if plants live for that moment, when the conditions are right, they flower or make leaf regardless of what may come. Even if it does snow or become icy, the spring growth will only be halted temporarily. I love being an observer of this and enjoy flying around like a little bee inspecting the tree buds, newly opening flowers and emerging seedlings, delighting in the small advancements. There is a bitter wind that warns us all that it is still very early in the season and that we must not put our coats and scarves away just yet! Yesterday, we had a walk on the hill that turned into a sunbathe and picnic in a sheltered place next to silver birches with tiny flickering leaves. The sun warmed us so happily that we stayed for a long time, connecting the ground with the sky much like the plants all around us. Earth, air, fire, water, self. It would have been impossible not to feel this harmonious relationship. A curious hoverfly brought fun for the children as it was hanging in mid-air right above us, then chased this way and that. It kept returning to buzz in a new place close to us and my son would jump up to play with it. I was lying there being restored by the warmth, smelling the spring smells, feeling real again. It’s wonderful to know that more warm days are ahead and that when they come, even if only for a moment or two, we can close our eyes and let it nourish us. As we come out of this second big Lockdown that has felt much longer and more difficult than the last, notice that the world around us is and has always been ready to move forward. It is time to come out of our own heads, emerge slowly and be more like spring flowers. Snow may still come but when the sun shines, we can allow ourselves to bask in its renewing power. I am writing to myself as well. Spring is the perfect time of year for restoration- mind, body and soul.