Ah, Spring: It’s almost that time of year for warmth, growth and renewal
Spring is nature’s feel-good story, a celebration of life anew with abundant vigor, as all the colors in its palette blanket the terrain, ranging from different shades of green to an array of radiant hues.
The arrival of March last Sunday—and the official spring kickoff just two weeks away--also brings good news of brighter, warmer days for those of us not into cold weather and ice (fear of slipping or falling), early darkness, winter sports and staying indoors by a roaring fire or drinking hot toddies or cocoa with marshmallows to warm us up. We eagerly await the signs of warmer air, longer stretches of light and the chance to be outside instead of being stuck inside our four walls.
What do we look forward to doing most? Here’s our list of 20 ideas; please share yours.
1. Seeing the first signs of new buds on trees or crocus and daffodil flowers pushing up through the ground, which are just the start of a profusion of colorful flowers throughout spring and into summer.
2. Smelling freshly cut grass –that marvelous earthy fragrance--as it grows tall and thick.
3. More daylight with sunset starting later.
4. More and longer, intentional walks outdoors rather than quick jaunts to get somewhere fast or catch a bus or take a train or subway.
5. Fewer layers such as warm jackets, heavy socks, hats, scarves and gloves to pile on, as we switch our wardrobes to lightweight coats and jackets and then soon no outerwear.
6. More types of exercise outside besides walks, from playing tennis to pickleball, bicycle rides, first swims, even if lakes or pools are a bit chilly.
7. Turning down the heat and seeing our bills drop, at least until it’s very hot and we must turn on air conditioners and see them rise.
8. More birds chirping as they return from their winter in the South—a welcome sound of spring.
9. More running to catch up with the ice cream truck if you’re a grandparent of a young kid or more ice cream cones if you’re an adult who prefers an ice cream treat in warm weather.
10. More reading on a terrace or park bench rather than indoors.
11. More fun holidays that loom ahead to celebrate, from Purim and hamantaschen this past week to St. Patrick’s Day and corned beef and cabbage coming, then Passover and Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day, high school and college graduations, weddings and more.
12. More picnics at outdoor concerts whether you make fried chicken or buy a mix of gourmet goodies from a favorite shop. Find the nearest park and get out your blankets, picnic baskets and coolers to be prepared.
13. More thoughts of fresh steamed lobsters, clams, corn on the cob and blueberry pie for those of us who love a New England clam bake of any variation. Even better when you enjoy it at a waterfront destination.
14. More lemonade stands sprouting along sidewalks and on suburban driveways. Be sure to help a young entrepreneur get their start with a donation of a few dollars for a generous tip. Girl Scouts are out in force selling their favorite thin mints but now also 2026’s Exploremores, inspired by Rocky Road ice cream, these sandwich cookies that feature chocolate cookies filled with a blend of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored crème.
15. Seeing certain friends and family return who spent the winter in warmer destinations, such as Florida, California, Costa Rica or Mexico. We’re so glad to have you back.
16. Changing our menu repertoire from heavy soups, stews and casseroles to more salads, fresh fish, fresh vegetables and fruits, with more of anything purchased from a farmer’s market.
17. More plein air painting for those of us who love doing art outdoors—or just sketching, knitting, crocheting, playing cards, checkers, croquet, bocci, anything that works in springtime’s good weather.
18. Other outdoor events, including many with an arts focus, from a classical or jazz concert in a park to a juried art show, plus estate sales and flea markets.
19. More outdoor house-related projects to clean, freshen and fix up homes such as a single-family house, apartment building or condo townhouse, from tuckpointing brick to repairing sidewalks and steps, pruning trees, washing windows and painting exteriors.
20. More time to garden in a back- or front yard or planting a few seeds in pots on a balcony or windowsill. Watch those tomatoes grow! Gardening connects us to nature. And it’s rewarding to see—and eat--the results of our labor once plants emerge.
Spring arouses feelings of hope, renewal and excitement that find their way into our minds, hearts and our bodies, as we fly out the door to breathe its fresh air. Don’t we need big doses of this right now as we try to wait patiently? We’re counting down the days.