Easter came early this year. Luckily, the weather was warm enough for children to wear their new Easter outfits.

I remember my mom dressing me and my four siblings up in our Easter best. We always got new patent leather shoes and spring jackets. Once dressed, we were relegated to the couch so none of us got dirty. We would then all pile into my dad’s station wagon and drive to my grandmother’s. And yes, it had wood on the sides and a seat facing out the back window. That had to be safe! This was how I knew spring was here.

Now, as an adult, I have different things that give me that great spring feeling. I love the earthy spring smell. On my walk this morning, it was great to see buds on the trees and flowers popping up all over. The sunny spots have crocus and daffodils ready for picking. I love to put them in a vase on my kitchen counter. Seeing them always brightens my day!

Other signs of spring aren’t as great. I have this woodpecker that has decided that my metal woodstove chimney would be a great place to send a signal to the females that he is available. In the morning, afternoon and early evening, he stops by and hammers away! I guess he has claimed this territory as his Match.com. Luckily, this should soon be over as spring sets in, and mating season ends.

I’ve seen lots of blue birds and cardinals in my yard and on my walks. That’s always a sure sign of spring. Soon we will see butterflies and bumblebees visiting our flowers.

Although summer is my favorite season, spring lets me know that summer is right around the corner. I love shedding the winter jackets, gloves and hats. I love putting on a comfy hoodie and working in my yard. Although it’s too early to plant, just turning over the soil in my garden gives me great pleasure. Soon it will be time to go to Morris Farms and pick out my vegetables and plants.

Take some time and embrace spring. A walk around the neighborhood is always fun. You could also join me and my fellow walkers at Rocky Point on Tuesday mornings at 9 and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. We meet at the gate at the end of Rocky Point Avenue. Thursdays will change to 6 p.m. once it stays light enough. The walk is listed on www.Meetup.com. We are the Rocky Point Pacers and it’s called “Walk and Talk at Rocky Point.”