These nice days are really scaring me. It’s spring in Colorado, but we still have plenty of chances for big snow or freezing temperatures. Sure, the bulbs are up, and buds are showing on the shrubs, and we’ve been able to leave the back door open in the afternoons. The dog and cats appreciate the splashes of sunlight through the kitchen doors and seem at peace, oblivious to the possibility of potential disaster.

April has always been the month with false promises. It seems like spring is springing and summer is imminent, but winter is not ready to give in.

Even though we survived April Fools’ Day, I fear that something ominous is coming. Oh yeah, we’re getting an eclipse in the next few days, and surely that is a sign of impending apocalypse, or at least some minor crisis, according to the more conspiracy-susceptible crowd. There seem to be a lot of earthquakes over the last few weeks and It doesn’t help that the national news is full of headlines about climate change, war, terror and humanitarian crises, and to top it off, we have to put up with Trump and the Republican shenanigans. Maybe more troubling, it’s time to do our tax returns for the IRS. And yesterday, there was a high wind warning – fifty to a hundred miles per hour possible along the Front Range.

Talk about worlds colliding! In the Dark Ages we would have just burned a few witches. I’m npt sure who we should burn today, but I might join in.

Our family, friends and neighbors are (mostly) okay, so far as we can tell. Really, it is spring and we’re seeing the signs of winter being over and things growing again. The squirrels are dashing about like crazy, probably making more squirrels (although we currently have plenty). The birds are going after the bird seed voraciously, and I’m struggling to keep up. It’s the time of year when our bed covers are alternately too hot and too cool, and the critters seem restless to get attention or treats when it is most inconvenient.

However, I have to admit that the warm afternoons and crisp mornings are rejuvenating. It stays light longer, and not just because of the shift to daylight savings time. Neighbors are working outside more, and not just to shovel snow. Every one seems ready to engage in conversation and maybe, end the Covid- and winter-feeling of isolation we’ve been experiencing.

Things are looking up. I’m sure of it.