Spring seemed to bloom overnight this year, and we went straight from sweaters to sunscreen around Middleburg. If you live west of Gilbert's Corner, you know what that means- mowing, mulching, mating, pollen, and patios. Some musings of each to keep it real. Always.

Mowing, particularly bush hogging, is some of my favorite alone time. I love to make a good soundtrack and set on a mission to make row after row of perfection. Few things are more satisfying than observing your work after a day of tractor time, cracking a beer, and watching the sun go down. Always do your mowing and weed eating on the same day. No one likes it when their hairdressers miss a spot. The same principle applies to grass. Funny, I haven't ever warmed to mowing with a zero-turn. "Jane, get me off this crazy thing."

Select a calm day to throw mulch. Take it from me that if you get some in your eye, it will be a painful and irritating experience. Don't skimp on mulch either, unless you enjoy pulling weeds. And always check for rogue poo's if you get it delivered in bulk. Ask me how I know to advise this.

Bunnies, kit, calves, foals, lamb, etc.….spring is Mother Nature's time of welcoming all things new to the world. Mommas will come back (usually) for their young, so alone fawn or bird's nest of squeaky squawky aren't (generally) abandoned, so keep a watchful eye first before relocating. Animals don't use Amber Alert though, at times, I bet they would like to.

The world is yellow this time of year. Sunshine shining, daffodils, dandelions, and pollen covering everything stationary for more than 10 minutes. Keep the Kleenex and Visine handy, and thank your Covid masks for filtering your air from all incoming particles.

This is the best time of year, in my opinion, to enjoy a patio. Bugs aren't entirely out yet, the air crisp, then warm, then crisp again, the surrounding green and other colorful blooms are blinding with their beauty, and the weather so perfect that all you need is a light sweater. If you understand that last reference, you need to always have SPF 30 on your face, moisturize daily and drink plenty of water to stay…fresh.

Friends, do something outside every day for your soul, enjoy this beautiful time of year and always stop to smell the roses.