Spring is here, ahead of schedule...

For the first time that I can remember, it looks like Spring has arrived before winter is officially over.  I guess its not surprising then that it took me by surprise, but still, I find myself marveling at how fast it came on.  Here is South Jersey, a week ago, we were still firmly rooted in the doldrums of winter, the gray brown pallor over everything.  Some days have brought sunshine and warm temperatures, but they felt like a treat that wasn't to be expected or mistaken for normal, the start of spring.  A couple of week ago, some of the early spring flowers had started to appear, with a few even blooming already, but we were still suspicious of spring.  Then, last Friday, on the drive to work, I noticed some beautiful pink flowering trees!  I think they must be redbuds, as it is far too early for anything else.  Then, this morning, I noticed that the willow trees are starting to sprout leaves, as well as the small bushes that line many of the roads around here.  In one week, we have gone from the monotonous gray of winter to the beginning pinks and bright greens of spring!  And it won't officially be spring for another week!

I am dreaming of dinners out on our porch, and the sweet smell of flowering trees that wafts in through finally open windows.  I guess I am seeing more than many, because I am a little farther south, but I feel like a kid for whom Christmas has come in the middle of summer; surprised and delighted, and a little bit giddy.

And completely useless at work...  I keep getting up to walk over to the windows to see how beautiful it is outside.  Welcome spring!