Well, folks, it’s that time of year again. The time when we all long to put on our shorts and flip flops; the time when we open the windows to our home, and let the delicious spring breezes float in, permeating our lungs with freshness. It is a time when the Marigolds and Daisies are in full bloom, and seem even themselves to enjoy the grandeur of their newfound beauty.
It’s time, at last to throw away those winter blues, and smile at the sun for the first time in what seemed like and endless season of gray. Many people celebrate the kickoff of springtime with different traditional festivities, the most popular of these being Easter for people of all Christian faiths. In the U.S., that tradition commences with a grand Easter Egg hunt on the lawn of the White House. For the Jewish faith it is Purim- a celebration which commemorates the sparing of the Jews in Persia from extermination. In Ottawa, they celebrate on a much larger scale, planting 3 million tulips for their annual Canadian tulip festival which begins on May 3rd. The Tulip Festival, launched in 1953, resulted from a gift of 100,000 bulbs, given to Canada from the people of the Netherlands in 1945 as a “thank you.”
It is also the time of year when runners everywhere prepare for the opportunity of a lifetime by participating in the famous Boston Marathon on April 21. From springtime weddings in Alabama, to a carriage ride in New York’s Central Park; whether it be a picnic in the park, or a barbecue with loved ones in your backyard, everyone everywhere is celebrating this glorious season- and why not? Now is a great time to make that annual Spring trip to Home Depot’s garden center and get out there in the yard and plant something.
The Gorilla took his family to San Diego California this year for Spring Break and ah… how refreshing the cool Pacific air felt on his big hairy head! It was just what this primate needed for a refreshing vacation. Whatever you choose do this Spring, remember; Spring is about new beginnings and a new chance to start fresh! Life is worth celebrating- every moment, every season, every day. Enjoy Springtime everyone!