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It dawned on me the other morning that sunrise has been taking place a bit earlier in recent days.
We're officially entering that time where we are receiving noticeably more sunlight, with Friday being the first day of meteorological spring. I've noticed the return of some of our warm-weather animal friends, especially some birds, in the last week or so (although they probably regretted that after the quick snow we had last weekend).
The daffodils at the house started to sprout several days ago, and I'm anticipating some buds to form soon.
It all leads to the first day of astronomical spring, with the vernal equinox set to occur at 11:06 p.m. on March 19. That's the point most people consider the beginning of spring.
While many look at spring as a time of rebirth as the world "comes alive" following winter, it also means marking an actual birthday for me. This year will be the big 4-5 (ugh).
Beyond all that, though, this is one of my favorite times of year. I'm fine with a little bit of snow here and there, but I prefer those in between months when it's not too cold or hot and I can sit out on the porch, or maybe go for a nice walk, taking in the birdsong and a little bit of sunlight.
That's what I like to think about for the beginning of the season. For others, it might mean thoughts of yard work for the next several months, or an opportunity to start addressing that list of warm weather projects you've put together while you were trying to avoid the cold.
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is holding a home and garden show this weekend at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville. For those interested, it might help you to put together some ideas or even make connections with businesses who can help you out with some of those tasks.
We had a thriving home and garden show in our area for years, hosted initially by a group of businesses and then being taken on by a regional marketing firm. For a long time, it was a three-day event at the old Serbian-American Cultural Center, with vendor booths filling up both of the center's main banquet areas.
When that facility closed down, the former home show was moved to St. Florian, and seemed to go pretty well. Then, as with many events, COVID hit and that was that.
Thankfully, the Jefferson County Chamber has brought it back, and I want to wish them well with their undertaking. This was an important event for our area, and one people looked forward to as the seasons began to change. So, if you have time this weekend, go check it out.
Meanwhile, I'm going to try to find some time to clear up all of the fallen branches in the yard, wait for the flowers to start blooming and watch as more birds and other animals make their way back. Perhaps I'll even plan a day or two to watch the sun rise (most likely on a weekend) with a cup of tea.
The beginning of this season is a nice time to remind ourselves to not rush and take things as they come. We don't know what will happen in the next day, month or year, but all too often we spend our time dreading the possibilities instead of trying to appreciate what is there.
Spring has sprung in many ways. The colors of the world are returning. It's time to get back out there and enjoy it.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)