[DocSanae]

I'm sitting at work with a pile of papers I need to sign...but as I write the date on each of the documents, I think, "It's only a couple of days till March!"...and sort of start, daydreaming....

In this part of the world where I now live, the 3rd of March, this Friday, is Peach Blossom Festival, also know as Hina Dolls' Festival, or Girls' Day. As soon as Valentine's Day is over, the store shleves are lined with the dolls, candies and other goods that are a must for the day. When we see all that stuff go up, we think, "Spring is just around the corner", whether it is a blizzard outside, or a fine day.
Soon after the festival is over, the weather bureau starts including in its forecast, the "cherry blossom front line." It's the forecast for when the cherry blossoms will start blooming, and when they will be in full bloom. Here, where I live, the flowers will start blooming around the last week of March, will be in full regalia around the end of March/first few days of April, and last through the first week of April. The frontline starts from the south around the time of the spring Equinox, and travel to the north slowly, until around the first week of May.
Though the trees start blooming slowly, they seem to burst into full bloom overnight, and we wake up one morning, to a world suddenly full of pink...all over the place. It never fails to amaze me that the trees that line the streets I am familiar with, will suddenly turn into pink clouds, then after a night or rain and stroing winds, again almost over night, we wake up to trees with bright green leaves, and streets and rivers covered by a pink blanket.
Just the thought of it is pleasant, and the blossoms to us, signify spring in full swing.

So, what comes to your mind when you think of spring?
Any tradition/events where you live/grew up that will always remind you of the beauty and hope and peace of mind that spring brings to you that we can share?

Okay, I'd better get back to work.*sigh*

[Pillows]

I think of fluffy, puffy, Easter dresses when it comes to spring. I would love to come and see your cherry blossoms though, it sounds beautiful. I actually tried a lotion in the mall called cherry blossom and it smelled heavenly. I have heard that here on base the trees all flower and are gorgeous in spring, but we arrived mid-late summer last year, so I don't know what it is like here. Back in Idaho, spring meant dandilions in the grass and lots of sneezing for me. For some reason, my allergies don't seem too bad here in Jersey though. This year the arrival of spring will really be significant to me due to the rebirth I am going to have on April 4th. I know I have told everyone the date before, but I keep saying it as often as possible to keep it real in my mind. Have fun at work.
Janae

[fr1endly2]

GLAD to hear you have spring fever DOC!
I hope thats why we havent seen you in chat.
HOPEING all is well and your just busy enjoying
the time of year
lisa

[LEEJA]

I think of " CROSS"......with Lillies......
....

[DocSanae]

Thank you, lisa, I'm fine.
Nothing serious, just that my weekend sleep was out of whack, so I was trying to catch up on my shut eye.
I was up for almost 24hrs on Friday, because my favorite champion figure skater won the ladies' Olympic title (forgive me if you are a Sasha Cohen fan) and spent the weekend TV channel hopping in glee.:P
Maybe, this is another form of spring fever

I'll join chat today.

[fr1endly2]

great to hear!
AND i know you keep long hours and need to rest!

LOOK forward to seeing you today
lisa