Pussy Willows and Black Flies

Who doesn't love spring?

Well, I don't like the mud and the cold, wet, rainy days. I wouldn't want it to be spring all year long. But, in Maine, spring (which doesn't really come until May) means that the winter snow and ice is finally over.

The mittens and hats are packed away. The blankets and flannel sheets are washed and saved for next fall. Sweaters and snowpants are exchanged for t-shirts and shorts.Rubber boots and light jackets are the perfect outer wear now. Sleds are stacked in the shed, and the bicycles are oiled and adjusted.

This is a great time to let kids just play. Send them outside to explore. Let them float things down the rushing ditches. Let them collect frog eggs and pussy willows.let them count the robins and listen for the migrating geese. Let them play ball in the soggy fields. They'll come back wet and muddy, but it's springtime. Life is too short to worry over a little dirt.

In Maine, spring also means black flies, those pesky gnats that swarm around your eyes and get in your mouth. They'll bite without you feeling it and leave swollen, bloody lumps behind your ears and on your neck. Little children seem to be the most tasty. Skin-So-Soft, produced by Avon, seems to be the best stuff against black flies. Sometimes, if a child (or anyone) gets too many bites, they can run a fever. We'll endure them for the joy of spring.

It's time to plan a garden, although it may be June before you can plant. You can start some tomato and pepper plants in the house while you are waiting. When it is time to sow your seeds, get the whole family involved. Even a toddler can pick up rocks. There's nothing more satisfying than to plant a row of seeds. Teach them the wonder of seeds and the spiritual lesson of something dying to bring life.

So, get outside and enjoy the world coming back to life!