An Unexpected Sighting of Spring

I need spring to be here.  Now.  I think that I have been pretty patient all winter long but I am at the end of my rope.  It is time.  It's time to put away the heavy sweaters and break out the sandals.  It is time for sunshine, flowers, and the storks to make their spring appearance.  It's time to sit outside at cafes, sip a cool drink and watch the tourists flock around the cathedral. 

I have been feeling antsy today but not sure how to use my energy.  I am tired of being stuck inside but yet the weather isn't nice enough to be outdoors for long periods of time.  I had just decided to brave the wind and looming clouds and take a walk anyways.  But in the time that it took me to put on jeans and pull back my hair, the baby fell asleep.  No walk in the world is worth putting her through the anxiety of a coat, hat, and shoes when she would rather be sleeping.  (Or maybe I should say no walk is worth putting me through the anxiety of forcing her to do that.)

I was  hoping that I would see some sprouts of spring while out walking.  Instead, I am stuck in our apartment.  I went out onto our balcony to get a breath of fresh air.  Low and behold, spring had arrived at our place and I hadn't realized it.  The tulip bulbs that I planted in our window boxes are starting to come up. 

I am very pleased that they are making an appearance at all.  My husband very thoughtfully gave them to me after he had an autumn business trip in the Netherlands.  I have always wanted tulips that were actually from Holland.  I didn't get around to planting them until after Christmas.  I thought that might be too late.  But apparently my timing didn't matter very much.  I just hope now that the weather cooperates and encourages them to bloom.

Thanks, Spring, for making a much needed house call.