No other time of year  makes one appreciate the fluffy, clean, white curtains surrounding the sparkling clean windows and the smell of furniture polish and cleaning solvents quite so much. Perhaps age has something to do with the level of appreciation once the tasks are completed and one can relax and enjoy the fruits of one's labour. I know I don't recall taking such pleasure in years past in knowing our home had been thoroughly cleaned and polished and I could now thoroughly enjoy working outdoors in my gardens once more.

To actually be able to rid your gardens of winter's refuse and prepare the soil for the emergence of nature's bounty are truly tasks I love. Of course,  there is also the fun of planning for the additions to the gardens of even more lovely plants to enhance the beauty already present and only waiting for the warmth of the sun to call forth the first tiny shoots of nature's promise. 

From all appearances even this past winter's harshness has not caused any casualties as evidence would appear to abound that all is well with the many plants so carefully nurtured over the past two years since we began to put our imprint on the yard and gardens of our new home. So many hours of work have gone into the effort but definitely those hours have proven to be very worthwhile. Sitting in the yard, listening to the waterfall or fountain of the fish pond while surveying the beauty surrounding us has given us so much pleasure particularly knowing how many hours we have spent creating this oasis of peace and tranquility which we so enjoy. Knowing that the ambience provided by nature's beauty will somehow lessen the discomfort which accompanies my husband's illness, and which he bears so stoically, makes it all even more worthwhile.

Given today's world and it's hazards having that oasis to which we can retreat is a blessing for which I am very grateful. Once you allow nature to enfold you any sadness or worry magically melts away as you relax and enjoy sharing the peace and quiet and contentment which comes with the companionship of those you love.

Our Petey and his family have made the wait for spring less onerous as they have presented us with two lots of babies to brighten the waning days of winter.  We have spent many hours enjoying the antics of  the wee ones although there have been anxious moments as well. Our Puffin emerged from the egg with a cataract  on one eye but that hasn't hindered his ability to fly or made his song less cheerful. He sings with a lilt which appears to indicate he loves life and is a very happy little guy. From the most recent clutch ( both clutches produced only two babies) we unfortunately had to have the vet give one of the babies relief. He had  also hatched with one eye sightless but his other problems were insurmountable. He tried to fly but was unable to manage flight or any of the things which a wee birdie has every right to expect from life. Finally we arrived at the difficult decision to give him peace. Not an easy decision but a necessary one.

Another decision we have reached is that Petey and Penny shall have no more children. Penny is a mosaic and as lovely as she is the tampering with nature has left her flawed and perhaps weaker than a canary which has been allowed to develop naturally. Her parenting skills were also less than perfect which has meant that Petey has assumed most of those chores. He has done magnificently but it has been hard on him as he attempted to care for the babies alone. Watching him worrying over the wee one which was flawed was quite heart breaking at the same time as it was heart warming. Our Petey is such a loving wee guy !

The end result... we have Punkin who is perfect, a gorgeous singer and beautiful, Puffin who is handicapped but adorable, and the one new little boy who has already won our hearts. A beautiful singer already and showing a personality much like his Daddy's. Because of his interesting markings we have named him Poncho. And, of course, Penny, Pixie and Petey. You can visit the whole family in Petey's Nook where there are many photos of our feathered wee ones. We do have to reduce the canary population around here but as yet have not made any decisions as to who will be joining another family. The one sure thing is that Petey is going nowhere !

 Pixie and Petey have not shown any interest in one another and we had decided Pixie was not ever going to produce any fertile eggs( although she does persist in laying) when she amazed us by showing a decided interest in Punkin ! And that little monkey definitely liked the attention. Who knows ... maybe Pixie likes younger men ? Just when we had decided that the hatchery was closing down those little rascals have thrown us a real curve! Now we will just have to wait and see I suppose ... and hope the 'Spring Fling' is winding down so we old folks can enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine with no babies to worry about. I'll even accept molting season without complaint knowing that the hatchery is out of action for this year.

Spring and it's new life has always been such a joy. I find each season has its own treasured memories, but I must confess Spring holds a very special place all its own. No other season offers such promise or hope, as each year we watch nature renew herself before our eyes. Is it any wonder that the phrase 'Spring Fling' seems fitting and proper when counting the blessings this season provides?

There may well be rainy days. Just as in life we must deal with whatever comes our way. Rainy days are necessary in order for the blossoms to flourish and provide their bounty which will make those days when life seems most difficult less onerous. Perhaps that is why trouble tests our endurance at times. In order to truly appreciate the beauty of life one must also at times experience the pain. Just as a rainy day passes ...  in time, so will the bad days we all must endure.

Enjoy your own Spring Fling ... the year is young and holds such promise. So much that is positive is always the result of effort and careful planning. The harshness of winter and  life's problems of recent months are past. Sunny days really do make everything brighter. As you nurture each plant, aware of the promise of the beauty to follow, savour every moment and count your blessings.   I know I intend to do exactly the same as my husband and I share another year enjoying the tranquility and beauty of our gardens with a fresh new appreciation of our precious time together.