This year, March 20th marked the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the fall equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night.” On the equinox, the lengths of day and night are nearly equal in all parts of the world. In our Northern Hemisphere, we consider this to be the first day of spring because most places will experience longer daylight hours until the summer solstice in June with the longest daylight hours of the year.

More hours of daylight and warmer temperatures bring us the beauty of spring flowers, trees, and bushes. In the Roanoke Valley, forsythia bushes have turned vibrant yellow, Bradford pear trees are rich with white blossoms, red bud trees are beginning to pop, and grape hyacinths and daffodils are reaching for the sun. These spring blooms don’t last long enough to suit me. The foliage turns green in just ten to fourteen days, so enjoy it while you can.

One huge spring event on the east coast is the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, from March 20th through April 13th. The festival commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to Washington, DC, in 1912. The celebration brings millions of people to the area to enjoy the blooming of the cherry trees with Petalpalooza’s art shows, live music, and fireworks, Blossom Kites, sightseeing cruises on the Potomac, and a parade on April 12th. Take a look at their official website for a schedule of events: nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. Check out their live Bloom Cam to see how the blooming is progressing. Their predicted peak bloom dates this year are March 28-31.  

Our feathered and furry friends are basking in the longer daylight hours too. It’s out on Birdbook and Squirrelagram that spring is here! Have you noticed the birds singing more and the squirrels chasing each other around your yard? Yes—’tis the season for love and new beginnings.

Two by Two 
by Dee Bowlin

Two mourning doves awaken me. 
Their cooing breaks the quiet dawn. 
Two thrashers hide beneath the tree 
once they have danced across the lawn. 
Two blue jays caw to scare the meek 
in hope of raiding someone’s nest. 
Two feisty squirrels play hide-and-seek. 
It seems to me they never rest. 

Two hands held tight as couples stroll,
beguiled by peony perfume. 
Two hearts entwined as if one soul,
with lover’s plans of bride and groom.
			
It’s spring—a time when love’s expressed
and, two by two, the world is blessed.