Hello May! It’s finally that time where we are spending more of our time outdoors. There are a couple signs of spring in our household that I’m sure are common in yours too, so please take a moment to relish or grovel with me.
Window Cleaning: by the time spring rolls around, our house windows are filthy. Tron, our cat is usually outside pawing the windows to get our attention to be let inside and our toddler, Ari is usually on the other side, face pressed against the glass, wanting to get out. When the sun finally shows up and shines through our windows, boy do we see the dirt, dust, finger and paw prints, forehead and nose marks and it’s a clear sign that it’s time to clean those windows! I grew up using Windex but I’ve heard of vinegar concoctions that do wonders and are nontoxic and better for the environment which we will be trying this year.
Driveway clean up: When we finally get “warm” weather, I try my best to busy myself outside. Sometimes it’s not quite warm enough to wash the car, so instead, I’ll sweep the dirt, dust, and gravel that collects on our driveway every winter. This year we got a miniature broom so that our toddler could expend some energy with us. We make sweeping into something fun with cheering, sound effects and races.
Budding branches: If you need some spring indoors, it’s fun to find some branches and “bud” them indoors. They smell great, and will give your home a spring feel. Simply find your favorite deciduous tree, preferably one that may have taken a tumble during the winter that is still clinging to life so that you’re not stripping the branches of a healthy tree, unless you must. Bring them inside and place the branches in a vase full of water. Sometimes said branches can have bugs so watch out for that.
Taking down lights: I’m ashamed to say that we are usually pretty bad about taking down our Christmas lights in a timely manner. We usually unplug them so they are unseen to someone passing by, but we don’t actually take them down and store them until spring time.
Yard work: I know I’ve talked about this before but I love yard work on a rainless day! Thatching, raking, planting, water, mowing… you name it, it’s an enjoyable spring and summer time activity.
Foraging for wild edibles. I had a good friend and roommate who’d bring home wild fiddleheads, spruce tips, mushrooms, and make a mean stir fry. I am going to try and be adventurous and forage when the timing is appropriate for said plants and fungi and see what I come up with.
Whatever your spring traditions or rituals may be, happy spring to you and yours!
Anna Hoke is the graphic designer and owner of Southeast Living Magazine. She can be reached at anna@seakliving.com.
