I got that feeling yesterday. I was minding my own business and bang! I’m not sure what triggered it. Was it the warmth of the sun? The birdies chirping? Seeing fresh buds on a tree?
Dunno, but there it was, like someone flipped a switch. My whole mood changed. My senses were heightened.
I felt spring.
Do you know that feeling? For me it’s one of the best natural things I can experience. The long winter slog is over! The anticipation of beach days and late evening sunsets; clamming and walking the shoreline looking for sea glass. Barbecues, beer and the joy of feeling a light breeze while sitting under an umbrella on the deck.
It’s a feeling like all things are possible and nothing but good times are ahead. And maybe feeling a little spunky.
Spring means the forsythias will soon be blooming and those little crocuses (croci?) will be popping their pretty heads out of the hardened winter soil.
And the birds! I remember when it used to be that the first unofficial day of spring was the day you saw your first robin. I think that was actually an old wives tale because it seems like robins have been year-round residents wherever I have lived. But there are now many more songbirds than just a few weeks ago.
Not everything about spring is all so wonderful though. I now have a spring cold (why does it have to wait until the nice weather to hit me?) And, although I’d swear that I don’t have allergies, I have that ever so slight tightness in my chest from the extra pollen I’m inhaling.
This coming weekend we get to cheat ourselves out of a whole hour of sleep. I suppose having daylight last until after dinner is a totally acceptable trade off though. And Daylight Saving sets the stage for those balmy summer nights.
But these are minor trivialities when compared to the power and magnificence of springtime.
As I write this it’s 5:30 AM on a beautiful morning. There’s a light and cool breeze and I’m about to adjourn to the deck to enjoy coffee and another beautiful sunrise.
Ah, spring!
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Heeeeeere’s Spidey!
Researchers at the University of Georgia expect that the giant Joro spider will spread to much of the east coast over the next few weeks. It’s believed that these spiders entered the US from Asia sometime around 2014 and are already common in Georgia.
Like any story, there’s good news and bad news. They eat mosquitos, biting flies and (drum roll please) stink bugs. They’re poisonous but have small fangs that won’t hurt humans and house pets. Oh, did I say that they’re giant spiders?!?!?
The Joro builds web “parachutes” that it uses to float on the wind for distances of 50-100 miles.
Imagine one of these babies floating down on your head. Yech!
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Ok, tell me you’ve never wanted to do this…….
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I have exciting news to share: You can now read Random Beach Thoughts in the new Substack app for iPhone.
With the app, you’ll have a dedicated Inbox for my Substack and any others you subscribe to. New posts will never get lost in your email filters, or stuck in spam. Longer posts will never cut-off by your email app. Comments and rich media will all work seamlessly. Overall, it’s a big upgrade to the reading experience.
The Substack app is currently available for iOS. If you don’t have an Apple device, you can join the Android waitlist here.
The spiders, awesome ! I told you about those nasty, yellow, biting flies in Georgia !
The beach, clamming, sunsets, with my favorite guy ??? Yes please. You will see Jack and I doing all of that & more !!!