Up the Family Tree: It's Spring

It's Spring!

Can anything compare to springtime on the prairie? Fields of green wheat promise a bountiful harvest. Blossoming red bud trees, yellow jonquils and crocuses peeking above the ground, and the sweet smell of lilacs promise us the cold, bitter winter is over. Baby calves play in the pasture while their mothers contentedly tug at sweet, new strands of grass. There are baby kitties in the garage and even the old dog feels the excitement of the season as he sniffs a rabbit in the old tree stump. Oh yes, it is spring.

Unfortunately, springtime on the prairie also means unpredictable weather. Eighty degrees with tornado watches on Monday, but come Tuesday, six inches of snow on the ground. Certain human behavior, though, is quite predictable. Every child under five picks a dandelion bouquet for his mother. Elementary school children study fractions and participate in spelling bees. After school brings bicycle rides, soccer games, kite flying and jumping rope contests.

Adolescent girls write notes to girlfriends about boyfriends. Adolescent boys play baseball, find where the fish are biting best and ignore girls. Older girls consider whether to cut their hair or not to cut their hair, what to do on Friday night and what to wear to prom. Teenage boys work on car stereos and wonder if they can afford to take a girl to the prom.

Adults are predictable in spring too. Some, the eternal optimists, plant gardens certain the weather will be better than last year’s. They are sure spring rains will not wash the seeds away and a late freeze will not get the potatoes. Nor, will the August sun parch the tomatoes. Some women clean closets, wash widows, turn mattresses and have garage sales. Some men clean the garage. Some watch ballgames on television, go fishing or head for the course with their golf clubs.

Yes, spring is a time to forget winter, to start anew. It is a time to enjoy warm sun on our faces and gentle breezes blowing in our hair. It is a time to relax on the patio. And that is exactly what I am going to do…just as soon as this spring shower passes over.