In with Spring, Out with Winter

Journal Entry 2

Ahh, Spring… The time for warmer weather, more daylight and dusting off the cobwebs that grew during the long winter months. I have always enjoyed Spring. However, now I think I have a newfound appreciation for it. Fall used to be my favorite time of year (by a long shot), then summer, then spring, then the dreaded winter. I would even say that Spring has surpassed the others and has taken the lead; it has quickly become my favorite time of year. What has changed? Well, for starters, I developed a green thumb. I love planning my garden, putting my hands to good use and watching something amazing grow. Last summer was my first time container gardening and it was incredible. To my surprise - not thinking I had much of a green thumb at all - I managed my container garden quite well! I had a surplus of green beans and basil, and a hearty bunch of spinach and chives.

This year, I anticipate another great harvest, however, I plan to make some changes. First, I will start my garden early. Last year I started my garden in late June. This year I will start in early April (in fact I have already planted two containers of basil and they are LOVING the Spring sunshine). Second, I will plant even more! I can’t wait to go to a garden center and purchase more seeds. I have been planning out my garden for some time now and I have decided to add bell peppers and flowers to my bounty this year. Particularly, I am eager to plant peonies and perhaps even some tulips or marigolds. I really want to see some color added to our balcony and I think having a small flower bed would be the perfect fix.

In addition to working on my container garden, I have been thoughtfully planning my Spring to-do list. Oh, you know the list - the one where you tally up all of the chores that need to be done before summer sets in. I have been itching for winter to end and a way to get my mind off of this was by starting a Spring To-Do list. On it, I outlined every nitty-gritty detail that I could think of to help clean and rejuvenate our home. If you are in need of some inspiration, I’ll outline some chores that I found to be a good starting place and that are easy to tackle:

S P R I N G C L E A N I N G:

- Clean bedding, comforters, pillows, pillow cases, etc. (rotate/flip mattress while you’re at it)

Sanitize electronics, computer keyboard and mouse, etc.

- Create a “To Donate” box and as you clean, put things you no longer use in the box

- Sort through bath and beauty products - throw away expired products, donate unused products, write a list (if necessary) of products to replace

- Sanitize refrigerator and throw away expired items

- Purchase vacuum seal bags and store winter clothes, hats, gloves, scarves and socks in the space-saving bags

- Sanitize washer, dryer, dishwasher, and other appliances

- Shred old bills and documents that you no longer need to keep

-Abbie